The week that was 20th-26th January 2018

I mentioned last week in my first blog that Jenkins had begun to make moves to make me eat my words - well if that was the starter then this was the main course as he not only won again but did so carrying 8lbs more in weight. I have to give credit where its due and say it was a good performance and will be interesting to see what targets in his future now he is showing the talent that many thought he had - now where's my fork for the humble pie.

The flying machine that is Un De Sceaux turned up at Ascot and like many of the great Mullins raiders took the prize money back to Ireland with little fuss. A repeat in the Ryanair at Cheltenham might just be a little bit more difficult this time though especially if Cue Card turns up on his retirement tour.
A big eye-catching performance at Ascot was that of Dancing Lass - who danced his way through the field down the back straight after deciding to give his opponents a head start by jumping poorly for the first mile before putting on his dancing shoes and jumping brilliantly for the rest of the race for Noel Fehily

Everyone loves a good fairy-tale in sport and that of The New One continues to warm the heart, for the fourth year he won the Champion hurdle trial at Haydock Park and as usual he done it the hard way, showing all his heart and courage that has become his calling card. his jockey Sam Twiston-Davies says that he has nearly paid his mortgage off thanks to the New One - if he manages to win the World Hurdle then surely Sam will have to move him in!!

Haydock at this time of year is basically a mud bath and in the slog that is the Peter Marsh chase it was The Dutchman who ploughed his way through like a John Deere in a muddy field to stay on best and win by 9 lengths, a return in the Grand National trial in similar conditions might be on the cards - if he can get cleaned up in time!

As its winter and the snow, wind and rain are gripping the country it feels strange to be writing about a horse going over to California for a multi million dollar race - but that is what Toast of New York is doing this Saturday. Back in training with Jamie Osborne after 3 years off track which prior to his time off included a very unlucky 2nd in the Breeders Cup classic, he won on his comeback at Lingfield and will have the assistance of the best big race jockey in the world - Frankie Dettori. If he wins then it will be a fairy tale of New York.