Happy New Year!

It is a busy start to the New Year as there is plenty of racing action to keep us entertained! In Britain, the jumps cards come from Cheltenham, Southwell, Fakenham, Exeter, Musselburgh and Catterick with the all-weather action at Newcastle as well. In Ireland, they race over jumps in both Tramore and Fairyhouse.

After passing their precautionary inspection this morning, we head to Exeter today with four runners, Lock Out runs in the 12:25pm Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase over 3miles with Gearoid Harney riding. He will enjoy returning to a more galloping track here today, but he will not want conditions too soft.

Chauffeur Driven runs in the 1:35pm which is the first division of the Handicap Hurdle over 2miles 5½f with Jack Tudor riding, he was outpaced early on last time and didn’t quite travel as well as he can, it’s a slight drop back in trip today and he has run well at the course before.

Missy Mole runs in the 2:10pm which is the second division of the Handicap Hurdle over 2miles 5½f with Jack Tudor riding. She is a sweet mare who puts her all in when she runs and has shown ability in her previous starts, she will appreciate the step up in trip today.

Toronet makes his stable debut for Pond House in the 3:20pm Handicap Chase over 2miles 3f with Jack Tudor on board. He has settled in well since joining us and he is a bit of a character! I think the track will suit him and he does have some nice form, it will be interesting to see how he gets on.  

As you can imagine there will be some exciting performances to look out for today, December Gold Cup winner Gemirande, could go for back-to-back feature Cheltenham handicap victories in the Betfair Exchange Chase at 2:05. While in the Relkeel Hurdle, Lucky Place could provide Nicky Henderson with his fifth victory since 2008, while Golden Ace looks to return to winning ways. Over in Fairyhouse, Cheltenham Festival winner Limerick Lace reverts to mares’ company in the 2:25pm after she finished fifth in the Betfair Chase.

Why did the can crusher quit his job?

Because it was soda pressing!

Hope you have a lovely New Year’s Day whatever you are up to!