SO Silviniaco Conti and Noel Fehily win the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, writes Martin Higgs.

On what can only be described as a most willing partner, Fehily dictated from the front to guide Paul Nicholls’ horse to back-to- back wins.

It was obvious the ground would not be as soft as connections would have liked, but they knew Silviniaco stayed and the only way to beat the speed horses was to keep pressing from the front.

This is a very difficult task, as if you go too hard there will nothing left at the end and if you do not stretch enough then it is set up for the pace horses.

Coming round the home bend they were queuing up behind, but going to the last there was only one horse left in the race – a perfect job completed by horse, jockey and the whole Ditcheat team.

And what’s more yours truly could not resist the 3/1 available on the day.

The following day I ventured across the bridge to Chepstow for the Welsh Grand National, another race to show off our great sport.

Emperor’s Choice, having looked beaten two out, rallied near the line to win by a short head after over 3½m – another well deserved success for connections.

There were a couple of notable performances on the day. Firstly, Allez Vic. He finished second in the 3m handicap chase and there is a win around the corner.

Secondly I would encourage you to look at Bristol De Mai. He won the Grade 1 juvenile hurdle, was well backed, and absolutely hacked up. He is currently 8/1 for the Triumph Hurdle.

I know I have tipped up Peace and Co previously for this race and I feel pretty confident the winner will come from one of these two.

Finally, just a reminder there are only 68 sleeps until Cheltenham ... Happy New Year!