I have just five rides over the next two days, but this could still be a great weekend. What it really comes down to is whether I can win the Betfair Chase at Haydock today aboard Silviniaco Conti.

I ride in all six races at Cheltenham today and have to be reasonably confident of getting among the winners.

When Poungach fell at the first fence at Chepstow last month, I got such a surprise you could have knocked me over with a feather.

The performance of Silviniaco Conti in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby today is going to be particularly important as far as I’m concerned.

Paul’s horses are in good form, with maiden hurdle winners at Exeter, Fontwell and Worcester during the week.

The racing at Cheltenham this afternoon is very competitive, but I’m more than hopeful that Dodging Bullets (3.05) can follow in the hoofprints of Far West, who landed the nap in style last weekend.

Today's meeting at Chepstow is what I consider to be the start of the proper national hunt season and Paul Nicholls likes to make a statement on the first day so I'm really looking forward to my six mounts.

My first week back writing a regular column and it is a little disappointing that the rides I have aren’t a bit more attractive.

I’ll be pleasantly surprised should I manage to win the Kerry National at Listowel today.

I WILL be at Royal Ascot today and can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to it.