New jockey on the block.

AS YOU know, Sky Sports News presenter Alex Hammond came to visit me last week and she loved me so much that she is coming again next week and every other week until Cheltenham Festival where she is riding in a charity race for Cancer Research UK.

Apart from a date or two with Hammond, I have no plans in my diary, but I’ll keep you updated via twitter @peopleshorse as I am sure this will change.

I have suggested to the boss (Fergal O’Brien) that I would like to attend Newbury Races on February 9, but I’m not sure he thinks I am good enough!

Rain stops play.

THERE is snow problem now it has warmed up a bit but racing is still struggling due to waterlogged tracks.

Due to the terrible weather conditions we have half the yard entered towards the end of the week. Expect to see a couple of Fergal O’Brien teams on the road.

Cheltenham Cheer.

CHELTENHAM Trials Day managed to survive the snow, and congratulations must go to all the team involved in the raceday preparation.

It was great to see so many talented racehorses competing on one day, including a few local heroes.

Imperial Commander made his long awaited comeback in the Argento Chase and, at the grand age of 12 he’s still got it. He finished second by a neck – if only his neck was longer like mine he might have won.

All being well he’ll be heading to the Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March in an attempt to regain his crown from 2010.

Nigel Twiston-Davies was suffering from a bout of seconditis at Cheltenham last weekend, with Imperial Commander, The New One and Mad Moose all finishing runner-up.

It was a shame The New One got beaten on the run to the line but I am sure he’ll still be a winner come the Festival in March. The slightly temperamental and aptly-named Mad Moose on the other hand ran an amazing race to come second to Sprinter Sacre, having led the field for a circuit.

Ten to Follow Team.

BOBS WORTH didn’t make his prep race at Cheltenham last weekend due to being a little off colour but he could still make it to the Gold Cup in March. Sprinter Sacre wowed the crowd with his sizzling seventh consecutive win.

Hunt Ball ran a good race to finish third in his race, but I don’t think he quite stays three miles.

Follow @peopleshorse for daily updates or read more at www.thepeopleshorse.co.uk.