I rode work at Willie Mullins’ on Thursday morning and it certainly brought home to me what a wealth of talent he will unleash in the coming weeks and months.

This is my first column of the winter campaign and I have to start by talking about Limerick on Monday and an afternoon that is going to be dedicated to John Thomas McNamara and Jonjo Bright.

Treviso 23 Connacht 3

I’m hoping to win my third Galway Plate this afternoon aboard Terminal for Willie Mullins.

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.