Choc's Blog

1st January 2008 - Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone who comes on here to read my news. Once again sorry for the lack of updates .... the move is almost complete so I will then be able to keep things more up-to-date!

I was really pleased to get the year off to a winning start at Cheltenham today with 2 wins on Oh Crick and Blazing Bailey. It just shows what good form Alan's horses are in and we hope we can maintain this form as the season starts to gather pace.

I would also like to thank all of you for your kind Christmas and New Year message. I hope 2008 is a good one for everyone.

6th December 2007

Sorry it's been so long since my last diary entry. My move to the new house has been delayed, but I hope to be moving in the next week or so and I will then be able to keep you more up-to-date.

After a slightly frustrating start to the season due to the weather things are looking much better now we've had some rain.

I am really pleased with how things have gone so far and Alan's horses are in good form. We have really moved into top gear in the last 3 weeks and we have been able to get some of the star performers on the track!

I'm obviously looking forward to the Tingle Creek at the weekend on Voy Por. This race has been won in the past by some great horses, let's hope its the same come Saturday.

I'd like to wish Ricky Hatton all the best for his fight at the weekend, I have always been a big admirer of his and I know he give his all on Sunday morning!

2nd September 2007

I am going to be 'off line' for the next few weeks as I am moving house. My house has been sold and I'm in a rented property untill my new house is ready, I am staying in the Cotswolds.

The season has gone well so far although I am as frustrated as everyone else by the weather this summer and the loss of so many jump meetings. Nevertheless I am on 16 winners so far which gives me a good start when the season gets properly underway. Alan's Open Day signals that the start is just around the corner and he paraded over 100 horses at the owners day last weekend.

He will have a string of 140 horses to go into battle with this season and I cant wait for us to get going. The horses looked magnificent and our 3 Festival winners were all paraded together at the end. We also have a lot of young horses to look forward to.

Dicky's wedding was the day before and that was a great day. In other news the book launch has had to be switched from Worcester and we are now looking at Hereford on Sun 21st October but will confirm that later.

The North v South Jockeys football match has also been rescheduled for 14th October at a ground in Hereford. Full details to follow soon.

2nd May 2007

What a great campaign I have had. I couldn't imagine having four Festival winners at the beginning of the season. Although falling short of 100 winners by one, I have absolutely nothing to complain about and only hope that this can continue next season.

The highlights are obvious in the achievements of My Way De Solzen, Voy Por Ustedes and Katchit. I have to say a big thank you to all of Alan's owners for their continued support.

There was an amazing turnout at the Westcote Inn for my charity haircut. Approximately four thousand pounds has been raised for the Injured Jockeys Fund and I would like to thank everyone that donated.

The new season has started well having ridden two early winners, hopefully this will continue and get me through the 100 this season! The blog maybe fairly quiet over the coming months through our less busy period over the summer and I will continue to update weekly from the beginning of October.

20th April 2007

Had a good ride in the John Smiths Grand National Kand'jar jumped really well untill we were obstructed by 2 loose horses and brought down. The horse proceeded to run round the course jumping for fun and will certainly go back to Aintree.

A couple of close runs at Cheltenham and I am now up at Ayr for the 2 day National meeting. I ride My Petra & Sha Bihan for Alan today and both would have chances.

Unfortunately the ground will be too quick for My Way tomorrow so I have 3 rides, Pouvoir in the first, Penzance in the Scottish Champion Hurdle and Evelith Echo in the Bumper, and all 3 would have good chances. It looks a 2 horse race in the first with Poquelin to beat. Penzance certainly has an each-way chance.

I am not heading for Punchestown as Alan will not have any runners so will be riding in UK.

13th April 2007 - Aintree Day 2

A very quite day and when I said I knew nothing about Super Nick, I probably know no more after riding him. He was very disappointing and I did the sensible thing and pulled him up with a circuit to go. Let's hope the stable can find the key to him.

As you know Alan has a great record in the Mares Only Bumper and Theatre Girl ran a cracking race to finish 2nd behind Turbo Linn.

I ride Kandjar d'Allier for the same owners in the Grand National tomorrow and I am looking forward to the ride. The horse has some good form this season and proved himself round Haydock in the Tommy Whittle Chase. Let's hope he takes to the fences.

I have 2 other rides, my old friend Royal Shakespeare in the 2.15 and I am looking to a good run from him.

Alan runs 2 in the Bumper and both would have chances on previous form. I ride Greenbridge.

After racing tonight I am taking part in the Penalty Shoot-Out Competition for charity and I'm hoping they are full sized goals!

Then it's an early night and ready for the big day tomorrow. Many thanks for all the messages of support, Choc.

12th April 2007 - Aintree Day 1

As as Cheltenham I managed a winner on the first day of the Aintree Festival. Katchit is a real star, a tiny horse who has improved all season and has won over £200,000 and now deserves a well earned rest. The race went according to plan and I was delighted with the performance.

I started the day inspecting the ground from close quarters after Blazing Bailey fell down the back straight when still going well. I hink we would of been in the first 2! All my other rides went as well as we could of expected.

A quiter day tomorrow with only 2 rides. I ride Super Nick in the 2.35 for Nigel Twiston-Davies and owner Trevor Hemmings who gave me a winner at Cheltenham. I'm afraid I know nothing about the horse!

My 2nd ride is Theatre Girl in the Mares Only Bumper and she should go well. Alan has a great record in this race and I'm hoping I don't drop my whip this year!

I will update my blog tomorrow evening and preview Saturday's rides.

10th April 2007 - Aintree

The National is nearly upon us and it looks as exciting as ever. Alan is running two in the big race, Tikram and Kandjar d'Allier and I'm going to ride Kandjar. There are excuses for his poor run at Haydock last time and I'm sure he can put that behind him. He is a class horse on his day having run very well in good handicaps at Cheltenham before winning the Tommy Whittle Chase at Haydock. So if he takes to the fences I'm sure he will give me a good ride at least!

The highlight of the week for me looks like being Katchit on the first day of the meeting. I don't think I need to remind you of his achievements this season and if he turns up in the same form as Cheltenham he will take all the beating.
Blazing Bailey also goes in the three mile grade two event. The usual suspect look like running but this track might suit him a bit better as i think he just got out stayed slightly in the World Hurdle and he's not short of speed. I expect him to run well and finish in the first four fingers crossed.

As four the rest of the three days we are running a selection in the handicaps and one or two in the bumpers, ridding arrangements haven't been finalised yet so I will update you nearer the time and hopefully do a daily update if I can get near a computer.

Other news I have for you on Voy Por Ustedes and My Way De Solzen. Voy Por is already at home having his summer break and will return early in the season for the Haldon Gold Cup, then the same route he took this year to defend his Champion Chase crown. My Way has been left in work and may run up at Ayr if the ground is suitable but if it was remotely quick would be put away for the summer, I'll keep you posted.

19th March 2007 - Cheltenham Festival

What an amazing week I've had, to ride one winner would of been great but four is a dream come true still not sure it has sunk in!

Katchit surpassed all expectation, I thought he would improve for better ground and he proved me right to win in a great time so hopefully he will go on from here and be a live Champion Hurdle hope next year.

Halcon Genelardais was slightly disappointing but the ground was too quick and he didn't enjoy it at all so I've just looked after him. He may go for the Scottish National now if the ground goes soft again?

Andreas was a bonus and what a great ride he gave me. Jumping well and winning as he liked really I couldn't believe it!

I'm afraid Trouble at Bay simply found the County hurdle too competitive but I'm sure the boss will find him a race soon.

To finish with I'd just like to say thank you for all the kind emails I've received both in wishing me luck and congratulation. I have been over whelmed with the support so thank you to every one.

15th March 2007 - Festival Thursday

Blazing Bailey's run in the World Hurdle today was very pleasing, finishing a gallant third. He travelled and jumped well on the hole and was beaten only four length. Like I said before the drying ground probably helped the others rather than hindering me and at the age of five it's not beyond possibility that Bailey could improve enough to be a serious threat next year!

My other two rides, Tikram and Rowley Hill, both ran with credit but I'm afraid they simply found the races too competitive.

14th March 2007 - Festival Wednesday

Another fantastic day which is turning into a amazing week! I couldn't be more pleased with Voy Por battling on well to secure the honours in the Champion Chase. It was a furious early pace which allowed Voy Por to settle and it was just a case of not panicking, then it all panned out in front of him. Bar a mistake at the second last which lost us a few lengths it was a great performance. It was a shame to see Well Chief fall early on i only hope this doesn't distract from my lads achievement.

13th March 2007 - Festival Tuesday

Great start for the meeting with My Way completing back to back victories of the Arkle for me. He silenced his doubters showing a good display of speed and jumping, the world looks at his feet. Particularly pleased to ride a winner this early in the meeting as it relieves the pressure slightly and hopefully i can sit back and enjoy the rest of what could be a very good week.

D'argent was disappointing pulling up in the William Hill, I was outpaced early and i think it's just a case of the race being too competitive. However there is sure to be other less competitive opportunities in the future and may even line up in Saturdays Midland National at Uttoxeter!

Pouvoir ran well finishing seventh or eighth in the Fred Winter, I'm sure had i not tried to beat the winner i would have finished placed. But i have had to have a crack at him coming down the hill and this has simply caused him to get tired after turning in. He's still a very nice horse and could possibly be a better horse next year as he took his race very well and will have learnt from the experience.

9th March 2007 - Cheltenham Festival

The main week of the year is nearly upon us and to be honest with you I haven't had the ideal preparation! Basically the weather and lack of runners due to the ground has meant I've spent more days at home than I would of liked. You always want to be riding as many races as possible just to keep your eye in and obviously to keep you race fit.
Apart from this I am very much looking forward to the week ahead, with hopefully the best book of rides I have ever had. I'll try and talk you through them and there prospects best I can.

Tuesday.
Looks busy starting with the Arkle, although My Way De Solzen is not certain to run here the race is looking slight favourite. He is such a versatile horse I'm not to worried where he runs, jumping is very good touch wood and for a World Hurdle winner is not short of speed. I think which ever race he runs in he will take all the beating!

Then on to the William Hill H'cap chase in which D'argent runs with good each way chances, he won first time up this season for us at Cheltenham just before Christmas which was a great training performance by Alan. Then I'm sure the dreaded bounce factor was responsible for him pulling up at Warwick next time. Alan seems to have him in top order again and although this looks a very tight contest should run well.

The Fred Winter H'cap hurdle looks very tricky but Alan holds a bit of an ace here in Zilcash, rated 140 he'll have top weight so will keep the weights down for Kings Revenge and Pouvior! although Gerard Tumelty will take 5lb of Zilcashe's back to improve his chances it looks a big ask! I'm not a hundred percent sure which of the previous named horses I'll ride. Pouvior looks the obvious choice being the best handicapped of are runners and I would fancy him to go very close, but we have slight concern about the ground being too soft for him and he may not run so it could be Kings Revenge who has solid form and could well be placed. Alan will make this decision for me in whether he runs Pouvior or not. If i can sneak a winner on the first day it will make the week a hole lot easier believe me!

Wednesday
Is quiet and the only booked ride I have is Voy Por Ustedes. I'd be fairly confident of picking something up in one of the H'caps though. I really do fancy Voy Por to do the business in the Queen Mother and think he has been forgotten about since I fell off him at Newbury. I've said before, had we stayed together at Newbury I'm sure we would of finished a good second at least giving away ten pounds and still be favorite in some lists. Well Chief has to be respected on his form 2 years ago and looks the best horse in the race, but that was 2 years ago and connections must be worried about the bounce factor. Another one I respect is Nickname if he turns up and the ground is soft.
I will just stress at this point that I have to be confident as if I'm not there is no point taking part!

Thursday
Starts with the Jewson Finale which Pretty Star is in. However he is another with ground worries and wouldn't want to be pulled about on testing grounds, this a side he is good enough to line up and should give a good account.

The Ryan Air chase is next in which My Way could run.(see Arkle Tuesday)

My main ride on Thursday is Blazing Bailey in the World hurdle and is another I fancy a lot, it has been well documented that 5 year olds have a desperate record in the race, but some thing has to buck the trend and It now looks like Last years Triumph was one of the best ever run with the winners that have come out of it this year. Ground should not be an issue with Bailey and he's a straight forward ride. Form says that Inglis Drever should turn the tables on us as we were receiving four pounds last time so it could be close. Although I will be very surprised if Bailey hasn't improved between then and now?

Tikram looks like he will run in the Racing Post chase rather than the William hill on Tuesday. This race is also a very tight contest and you could pick any number of winners. Hopefully he'll have a good each way chance as well.

Finishing the day with the Pertempts finale and Rowley hill. the weights will stay down so he just gets in the h'cap which is ideal and hope he can run well for his great supporting connections.

Friday
Katchit is first up on the last day and needs no Introduction, I fear the Irish horse Lounas. With her mares allowance and her good run in the AIG. However if Katchit is beaten he will go down fighting and doesn't owe me a penny!

The Brit Insurance novice hurdle over three miles looks one of the best races of the meeting and is a race in which I think Flight Leader will take a lot of beating after his third behind Blazing Bailey. We run It's a Legend, he is sure to keep galloping and give a good account but like I said this is one of the best races of the meeting.

Halcon Genelardais takes his chance in the Gold Cup and if he finishes in the first six he has run a cracker. you can't really get away from the top 2 in the betting but often a good old stayer will run through to be placed so I can only hope it will be him.

My last ride of the meeting is good old servant Trouble at Bay in the County hurdle and has a nice racing weight. He will be fitted with first time blinkers which seem to of sharpened him up at home and Alan is confident he will run very well. Hope fully I will of had at least one winner by this stage and can have a good ride of my old friend?

I will try to update you on my rides and thoughts day by day next week. If there are any other question I can try and help with please do not hesitate to email via my sight.

1st March 2007

The winners have started to come in at a steady flow again and I have been much happier over the last couple of weeks, although I'm not riding as many winners as I'd like but I'm not sure that will ever happen!

Weekend is looking fairly busy and it looks like I'll be doing two meetings. Affair Promise runs at Kempton in the novice hurdle and has been pleasing Alan and I at home. He has had just one run in a bumper at Newbury where he ran well and has a lot of ability.
IL Duce may also run as well and is none the worse for his tumble last weekend so why not? Like I said last week there are reason for disappointing at Warwick, so if I can keep him on his feet he should run well.
Then on to Newbury to ride Grand Ville if I can make it in time and one in the bumper. Not sure what that will be, but Alan is looking like running four so that is something I will have to discuss with Alan Friday morning.

Next week I will try and give you an insight to my thoughts on my festival rides and hopefully give you a few pointers for the big week!

22nd February 2007

Back to business as usual and it was good to be back in the winners enclosure on Tuesday at Taunton! Its not that are horses have been running bad as they have been there about without winning. This is mainly due to them carrying a penalty or simple not being good enough.

The week ends looking good with the Racing Post Chase being the feature. I am very grateful to have pick up a nice spare in Alderburne for Henry Daly, I wouldn't know a lot about him but I've seen him win round Kempton and I'm going to school him over a few fences Friday morning. So this should give me a bit of an insight.
The Boss looks like running IL Duce in the novice chase, Fork Lightening in the 2 mile 4 furlong handicap chase and one in the bumper. IL Duce has not done a lot wrong this year and should run well but may find one or two too good for him. He has to put a dissappointing run behind him but there are excuses for Warwick so I'd be hopeful. Fork Lightening owes us nothing, although he may need to come down the handicap a few pounds before he's able to win but I'm sure he will give a good account of him self again. It looks like Evelith Echo in the bumper who has been going the right way with a good run at Cheltenham and a nice second at Haydock. So he's sure to handle the ground and go close again.

Everything seems to be gearing up to the Festival now and I'm happy to report that I schooled Voy Por this morning over six fences. He seems in very good form and all went to plan. Lets hope I can put are little mishap at Newbury behind us now as I hope he 'll take all the beating at Cheltenham!

16th February 2007

Last weekend did not really go to plan, with me getting unseated off Voy Por being the main low light! I completely blame myself for this as a slight lapse of concentration on my part, I just seemed to let him flatten out a bit between the first and second down the back, he ended up taking off to far away from the ditch and probably did well to get there! Also I am sure Onyx Burre is better than that, hopefully he'll prove me right in the next couple of months?

As for this weekend it all evolves around Kandjar d'Allier running well in the Red Square Chase at Haydock. Its the first time over the trip but he got three miles in testing ground round here last time, so the extra half mile should not be a problem. A very competitive race but he has to run well to advertise his Grand National chances.
My three other rides for the Boss are Rowley Hill, It's a Legend and Kings Revenge, they all seem to have chances on paper but I think out of the three It's a Legend could improve enough in the novice hurdle.

Sorry my blog is fairly late this week, this is due to the long journey home from a unsuccessful trip to Fakenham and the later start times of the races recently. Because of this i will try to update you on weekend plans and any news on Wednesday or Thursday, depending on how soon I know my movements.

9th February 2007

There's not really much to talk about this week, as i have done only one days work and even the sledging on Thursday was a disaster at Richard Phillips schooling ground. I don't think the hill was steep enough!

I only hope Newbury is on tomorrow, Voy Por is my main ride in the Game Spirit chase and although he's in very good form looks up against it giving away ten pounds to most of his rivals in a very competitive renewal. Also the ground could go against us as he doesn't really want soft or slower ground, as long as he runs his race and gives a good show I will be happy as the bigger day is yet to come!
I'm very pleased to pick up the spare ride on Mister hights in the Tote Sport Trophy but can tell you very little about him other than what you read in the paper. Onyx Burre is one to keep an eye on in the novice hurdle, he seems a very nice horse and could be anything. So hopefully he is one for the future.

2nd February 2007

It's been a very quiet week this week due to my bans and a couple of non runners! Four rides tomorrow which is more like it and they all look to have chances? I start with Ned Ludd in the first, he seems to have a favorites chance and deserves a decent win after a run of seconds through no fault of his own. I think he's just come up against some decent prospects and has very solid form. One Way is another outside ride and also has a good chance on paper after his second to Voy Por at Kempton last time. Although i don't know a lot about him other than what I've seen.

Then on to my two rides for the boss, first Pretty Star in the novice chase. This looks a very tight affair and could take some winning but they don't come much tougher than this lad and whatever beats him will know they've had race, so he can run well without effecting his handicap mark for the Jewson Final at the festival! Followed by an old favorite Fork Lightening. We have three in this race including Tikram who may look to have a better chance than Fork Lightning but there is no way i could get off him, so there was no choice really! Getting him jumping properly and settled early is the key to this lad and on his day is a very good horse so hopefully i can expect a good run from him.

Finally I am doing a festival preview evening on Monday the twelfth of March with a good friend of mine Mark Ball who is involved with Lets Live Racing, also on the panel are Tom Scudamore and Joe Tizzard to give you more winning pointers! The evening starts at 7.30 and is held at the Royal Oak, Prestbury. Tickets are available from Mark who can be Contacted on 020 7515 8200 or 07702 895 428 an are priced at £11. I am assured that this will be a sell out so do not delay in ordering your tickets.

26th January 2007

January is normally quite quiet with less fixtures and plenty of abandonments dew to the weather! Having said that tomorrows card at Cheltenham looks as competitive as it gets bar the Festival.

My two main chances look like being Katchit and Halcon Generlardais. Katchit has his toughest task yet and although he is favorite could fall foul to either Paulic or Pancake as tomorrows ground will probably suit them better, it just seems to take the gears off my lad but he sure to go down fighting.
Halcon is also under the spot light, this being his acid test to see weather he's good enough for a Gold Cup. I'm not sure how he is favorite as finishing in the first four would be a great run!

Zilcash and Blazing Bailey also run and look to have good each way chances.

You may of noticed over the last few weeks I've picked up a couple of ban for my use of the whip. This has been very frustrating simply because they were minor offences and it is just a case of trying to keep horses going on desperate ground. Also i would take pride in my record over my career in these cases and would love someone to tell me how my use of the whip has changed in the last month or so!?

12th January 2007

It looks like Warwick will be on tomorrow and hopefully we will have a good chance in the Tote Classic chase with D'argent, he will not be inconvenienced by the ground and the trip is not a problem after finishing second in this race two years ago. My only concern is the bounce factor after his hard race at Cheltenham last time but he's had six weeks between runs so that shouldn't be a problem?

My other rides at the meeting (Rowely Hill, Il Duce, Zilcash) all look to have good place chances so maybe I can sneak a winner out of them!

Elsewhere the yard has two favorites chances at kempton. Trouble at Bay in the two mile novice chase seems to of taken well to fences and should take all the beating and Pouvoir in the juvenile is the other. He has been freshened up after finishing second at Sandown and can be forgiven being beaten that day as the race came very quick on him and was run in bad ground. I am sure he is better than that! The main danger to him could be the Henrietta Knight horse?

I hope they can both win for Wayne and the Boss to keep the yards good run going!

4th January 2007

After a very good Christmas period the winners seem to keep coming, My Way De Solzen was very impressive on New Years day. I think that's as good a ride as I've had off a novice at any stage of the season! He'll have two targets now at the Festival, the Arkle Trophy and the Ryan Air chase. It mainly depends on ground which one he goes for which has been well documented, but hopefully he has an out standing chance in either?

As for my Collar bone, it seems two be settling down nicely and I don't think it's affecting my ridding. Maybe I'm not the best person to judge that!

This weekend will be very quiet with only two runners from the yard, Prince Broc in the juvenile at Sandown which Wayne will ride. He should have a chance but we'll be looking for a good run to build on for the rest of the season and Trigger The Light at Chepstow. He also has a good chance but could be slightly vulnerable under a penalty after his good win at Warwick. When it came to choosing between these two it was very difficult so lets hope I've gone the right way.

28th December 2006

It's great to back riding again after only six days off and every thing seems to be OK. My collar bone is still a little bit sore but once I get going I tend to forget about it and hopefully it will settle down completely in the next few days. I'm basically going to take it fairly easy until the New Year riding only for Alan until next Wednesday.

My short absence doesn't seem to of effected the yard at all, with Anshabil and Trouble At Bay winning well at hereford and two more at Wincanton.

At least I didn't miss the main day on Wednesday! Voy Por was very pleasing and hopefully there's still be improvement in him. Halcon Genelardais win in the Welsh National was great for the yard and Wayne, not sure what his target will be now? The National looks unlikely and there is talk of him having an entry in the Gold Cup. If the ground came up testing who knows.

22nd December 2006

As you probably all know I have unfortunatly broken my collar bone after a fall at Exeter on thursday. So the last couple of days have been spent traveling to and from the hospital to see Micheal Foy my specialist! Hopefully things don't look as bad as first thought and I shouldn't be out of action for too long, no more than fourteen days? It's basically an old injury as I have broken this particular collar bone four times before and therefore should settle down quite quickly.

The Christmas period looked fairly prosperous with Voy Por Ustedes being my main ride and will take all the beating on Wednesday at Kempton, there is also Halcon Genelardais in the Welsh National which Wayne rides and he looks to have a favourites chance. All i can do is watch now but nobody would like to the the pair win more then me for Alan and the team.

I'll keep updating this blog on my progress and maybe i can suprise you all?

6th December 2006

Last week end went reasonably as planned, with My Way and Voy Por running well. Although you had to be pleased with the both of them I'm sure My Way is better than that, weather the run came a bit soon I'm not sure but I don't think it was quite him! He'll probably step up in trip now. Thats for the owners and Alan to decide. Voy Por has definatly improved and I'm sure he will do so throughout the season, the champion chase being his main aim. Kauto Star looks every bit of the race horse he has been billed as and I can only hope he sticks to the Gold Cup route.

Cheltenham again this week end looks as competive as ever. Friday will be fairly quiet for me, it will be nice to have my old freind D'argnet back after a lay off. He's ready to run and will give a good account of him self, although he's sure to need the run to sharpen him up.

Saturday should be busy starting with Katchit in the first. This looks his toughest test yet, hopefully he'll have a good chance to show his Triumph Hurdle credentials again!

Senorita Rumbolita runs in the novice chase, with Denman out she looks to have a good chance of being placed at worst.

Blazing Bailey in the Relkeel hurdle could be up against it if Black Jack Ketchem runs, again he should be in the first three and hopefully will have improved for his first run.

An interesting runner for us on Saturday is Tikram. A new recrute for the yard he could run very well in the big race at a big price. He seems very well at home.
Lets hope i can have a least one winner.









for the season

28th November 2006

After a good week last week the weekend was a bit disappointing, Alans two didn't handle the ground and Mongermont stop very quickly, I think he just didn't stay?
This week all the horses have been running well although probably a few too many seconds, at least Nenuphar Colonges stuck at it to win. I think I'd of beat A.P even if he'd stood up.

Looking forward to the weekend, it's going to be a big saturday for us with My Way De Solzen and Voy Por Ustedes running at Sandown. They both seem in good heart, I hope My Way will take all the beating in the novice chase if he's going to be a serious Arkle horse and Voy Por will have to improve especially if Kauto Star runs. There is no where for him to hide now but he seems to have strengthened up from what he's shown me at home. Let's hope so anyway!

You may of seen an article in the Racing Post today about myself and Richard Johnson doing some work for wbx.com. I a sure you this is all above board and we went through the necessary channels of approval before wbx went live on saturday. The Jockeys Association were a where of this work and had monitored it to make sure there was no wrong doing on our part.
I was particularly annoyed with the wording in the article as noone has approached either of us to stress concern before the article was written! As far as i know the HRA knew of this work and if there is a problem we simply will not do it.

23rd November 2006

My May de Solzen was very pleasing yesterday, he gave me as good a ride as ive had from a novice over fences for the first time. I always felt in control on him, turning in it was just a case of how far he won and he basiccally didn't break a sweat. Im very hopeful that he will progress from this and take his place amongst this seasons top novices.
It was a very good day all round yesterday with the others running well and Daryall completing a double for Alan and I.

21st November 2006

I was very pleased with this weekend, Halcon Genelardais and Blazing Bailey did us proud with two gritty performances at Haydock Park. Winning two nice prizes aswell, i wish they all had as much heart! Pouvoir showed no ill effects from his fall running well at Liverpool on Sunday, giving the triumph hurdle favourite Degas Art a run for his money. Providing he progresses from this run he definatly has a bright future as he has any amount of ability.

My Way De Solzen has his first run over fences tommorrow which I'm very much looking forward too. Alan has decided to run him over two miles as he's not short of speed (although he is a stayer). The race should be fairly straight forward fingers crossed but there are two of three talented rivals, this being said they have twenty odd pound to find with My way hopfully!

15th November 2006

Just a couple of quick updates. Esprit Saint is now running tommorrow at Market Rasen which will be very intresting! Unfortunately I'm unable to ride him because I have to go to Wincanton to ride our good mare Senorita. So Wayne is deputising, he also rides Pretty Star which I hope will run well, as my sponsor (Hayman Joyce) has just bought him. Lets hope Wayne can ride a winner on his first day back from a lay off.

Also after talking to Alan today I think My Way De Solzen will miss Liverpool on Sunday and go to Exeter in a week or so to start his chase career.

14th November 2006

The week has started well. I've had two winners so far, one at Leicester and one at Folkstone.

See the light at Leicster was pleasing for his first run of the season, he is probably a chaser in the making but for the time being I think he will stay over hurdles as its difficult for novices chaser these days! Nedludd made a bright start to his hurdleing career at folkstone jumping neatly and winning well in the end, he is sure to progress over hurdles.

I have also schooled My way de solzen over fences on monday and tuesday morning, he has been jumping well and hopefully will run at liverpool on sunday, I just have to put the finishing touches to his jumping on thursday morning.

Plans for the weekend are still fairly fluid looks like i'll be at Haydock and Aintree. Also look out for Espritsaint on friday at Exeter.

12th November 2006

Penznace ran as expected today, he jump away well finishing third giving the winner the best part of a stone. Elite Racing are sure to have alot of fun with him.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. I will be back in the week to update you all on the weeks progress and the runners for Saturday and Sunday.

11th November 2006

Very pleased with Katchit, jumped and travelled very well. I know i only won a neck but im sure there was plenty left in the tank. He was bought as a horse to have some fun with and he is turning into one of our main juveniles.

Kandjar d'Allier ran well for his first run of the season, we will probably step him up in trip to 3 miles but he needs plenty of time between his runs so look out for him early next month. I was pleased with his jumping and if there are any excuses they probably didn't go a strong enough gallop for him early on as he likes to run through beaten horses.

All the others ran as expected but His Nibs was a bit disapointing hope it was just the ground, will school him over a fence and go down that route with him.

Just one again tommorow Penzance in the first, looking at the race he's in the same position as the likes of Ill Duce. These novices win one novice chase and then struggle because of the conditions of the races, these days there aren't the opportunities to go and win two or three ordinary races, we are thrown straight in the deep end!! Although having said that he definatly looks booked for a place and the little horse does not owe me a penny.

10th November 2006

I was a little bit dissapointed with Nyrche today, although he is simply to high in the handicap. Thinking about it, he seems to be a better horse in the spring so im not to disalusioned.
I was suprised with how slow the groud was today, it's good to soft and nearly soft down the back. However i don't think this will hinder tommorows runners.

Tommorow starts with Katchit in the juvenile, this looks a very competetive race, however i would like to think he has favorites chance. I will have to keep an eye on Total victory, Marc of brilliance, New comer Prince Ary and the Champ ridden Freeze the flame.

Ill Duce looks up against it, as we meet Denman who i was very impressed with at Exeter a week ago. We should like the ground, touch wood jumps well and should give a good show.

Kandjar d'Allier's race looks competetive as expected. The ground will be perfect for him, if he reproduces last years run he's sure to go very close. Seems in very good order at home and Alan has been pleased with his preparation. Taranis is probably one to beat after his pipe opener at Chepstow.

His Nibs, this looks tough and will be trying our best but maybe this is a stepping stone to fences!!

9th November 2006 - Cheltenham Open meeting 2006

Welcome to my blog, this is going to be a weekly diary of the coming season starting with Cheltenham this weekend.

I only have the one ride tomorrow, Nyrche who has been a great servant to us over the last few seasons resulting in the very high handicap mark he has now! Tomorrows race is very competitive and there are a couple of less exposed horses in the race. One Way being one of them. Besides this i see him running very well and should be in the first three, he'll of come on for the run at Liverpool where he didn't get a yard over two miles of the two mile four trip and he seems to of come out of the race very well.