I was particularly disappointed to read that Horse Racing Ireland are in exclusive negotiations with SIS and At The Races regarding the awarding of the Irish racing media rights.

On Saturday I travelled over to see Paul Nicholls at his Ditcheat base to have the final conversation on a subject we’ve been discussing for several weeks.

I hope to round off what has been a great season for me by landing the Grade 1 mares’ hurdle aboard Tarla at Punchestown today.

Today is all about one of my favourite horses, Hurricane Fly, in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle.

I think today is my weakest book of rides of the week and will be delighted to get among the winners.

It really is the calm before the storm for me this weekend.

I must start this week by telling you about my first ever trip to Japan last weekend.

I haven’t ridden since taking two falls at Leopardstown last Sunday and you won’t see me on the battlefield again until the start of Cheltenham next Tuesday.

My main reason for going to Doncaster this afternoon is to ride Join Together in a three and a quarter mile handicap chase.

I certainly don’t ride any certainties at Kempton today, but have reasonable prospects of getting among the winners all of the same.