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.

It’s great that the Gold Cup has been rescheduled for today, having been cancelled on Wednesday, and I’m probably more confident about winning on Quel Esprit than I was three days ago.

I want to start by describing what Punchestown achieved on Wednesday as quite brilliant.

I am especially looking forward to today, because, to my way of thinking, Quevega and Voler La Vedette is the clash of the week in the three mile Grade 1 hurdle.

I am very hopeful that Quel Esprit can deliver in the Gold Cup at Punchestown today.

My first day at Punchestown doesn’t promise a whole lot and things can only get better as the week progresses.

A big-race winner would be nice, leading into Punchestown, and hopefully it may come with Harry The Viking in the Scottish National at Ayr this afternoon.