Just like 39 of my colleagues, I am very much looking forward to the Grand National at Aintree today.

Big Buck’s put more than a smile on my face with a great performance in the World Hurdle yesterday.

I will arrive at Cheltenham today confident there’s a strong possibility of getting among the winners, especially with Hurricane Fly in the Champion Hurdle and Quevega in the Mares’ Hurdle.

I have to say I’m rather philosophical regarding Kauto Star’s likely participation in the Gold Cup.

THE feature at Sandown this afternoon is the Tolworth Hurdle and I ride Prospect Wells in what is a tricky little contest, even if there are only five runners.

IT is very much a case of role reversal for me this weekend. Normally, I'm in England today and back in Ireland tomorrow, but it is the opposite this time round.

ON Monday morning, nice and early, I’ll head to Dublin airport for a 7.45am flight to Heathrow.

WHEN I was asked this week to write about the highs and lows of 2011 my immediate reaction was to focus on the new whip rules brought in by the BHA across the water.

TODAY at Ascot is all about Big Buck’s and his attempt to make it 14 wins in-a-row in the Long Walk Hurdle.

I KNOW the Paddy Power at Cheltenham today is the major contest of the weekend, but let’s start with the horse I consider my best ride over the two days, Hinterland in the first, a three-year-old hurdle.