For racing lovers, it has been some Christmas period, and I could write many column inches on a number of fantastic performances and achievements.
The encouraging news all around is that racecourse attendances look very positive, and there is nothing like witnessing top-quality sport live.
I will start with Kempton on Boxing Day and the King George VI Chase.
If you have not watched it yet, just get a coffee and do it!
It was a race to savour, with The Jukebox Man prevailing by a nose for owner Harry Redknapp, trainer Ben Pauling, and jockey Ben Jones.
There was half a length between the first four horses home, and it was great to see British success in this historic Grade 1 Chase.
Half an hour earlier, Sir Gino bolted up in the Christmas Hurdle and will surely head to the Champion Hurdle.
If so, he will take some beating.
For followers of the H on H column, you will have noted I selected both winners, and the 7/1 about The Jukebox Man was particularly satisfying and allowed the Higgs family beef and not beans for Sunday lunch!
Apologies for the self-indulgence.
I do not get many opportunities.
Onto the 27th of December, and attention turned to Chepstow and the Welsh Grand National.
For those who were there, including yours truly, we witnessed an incredible performance from Haiti Couleurs and Sean Bowen.
It was a record weight-carrying run from this enthusiastic eight-year-old, who recorded a fast time after taking up the lead after fence 7 of the 23 jumped and was not headed again.
A Welsh trainer and jockey winning Wales’ premier race, the post-race celebrations did not disappoint.
The day was not all about the Welsh though, as Brompton Regis based Jeremy Scott notched up a double on the day and confirmed that the stable is currently in fine form.
The bandwagon then headed to Newbury, and Paul Nicholls introduced a really nice young horse in Minella Yoga.
He cost a tidy sum but could go right to the top in time.
He then backed this up with a win in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle with No Drama This End, who is another horse that looks destined to compete at the very top level.
Now time to get local, and Taunton held their Boyle Sports New Year's Race Day on Tuesday.
The huge crowd was rewarded by winners from local trainers Neil Mulholland, Richard Mitford Slade, Joe Tizzard, and Stuart Kittow, all at reasonable prices.
The feature Class 1 Byerley Stud Listed Mares Hurdle went to St Irene (pictured), who was ridden by Jack Quinlan and trained by first-season trainer Nick Scholfield.
This lovely grey mare made all in striking fashion to give her connections a real thrill, and the next stop could well be Cheltenham.
Racing comes thick and fast at this time of year, and Taunton races again on Thursday the 8th of January.
Tickets are available at www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk as well as on the day at the gate.
For those of you looking to attend, there is also a courtesy coach service arranged for the day.
It will depart from outside platform 5 of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the first race and return half an hour after the start of the last.
Finally, may I take the opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year, and here’s to plenty of winners in 2026!
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