AS I mentioned last week, I have been having a bit of a rest from racing but I will be back in another week or two and hope to be returning to the winner’s enclosure, where I belong!

An update on some of my stablemates; we’ve only had a couple of runners since last week at Bangor-on-Dee and neither finished in front, but it’s not always about winning – sometimes it’s about taking part and the boss expects them both to come on for the run! We have a few out this week including at Towcester today – Queen Of Mantua and Thunder Sheik.

Soon Cheltenham will be upon us again for the big Open Meeting on November 16-18, with all the big guns out in force from Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson and Jonjo O’Neill. I am glad I am not going up against them!

Crowning Champions.

THIS weekend at Doncaster, Richard Hughes will be crowned Champion Flat Jockey for the first time, so congratulations to Hughesy who is known for his love of jump racing. Having pulled more than 40 wins clear of his nearest rival Silvestre De Sousa – including riding seven winners in one afternoon at Windsor – it really has been his season.

King Kauto.

KAUTO STAR, the best steeplechaser of our lifetime, has retired. I would like to wish him all the best in his new life which, for the time being, is going to still be leading the horses on the gallops and educating the youngsters to be as good as him.

I wonder if he can come and gallop with me for a day or two I am sure I would learn quickly! You will also be able to see him at a number of racedays this season including the Betfair Chase at Haydock and on Boxing Day at Kempton Park during the William Hill Winter Festival.

Ten to Follow Team.

Hunt Ball is being lined up for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on November 17 when he may take on another from our list, For Non Stop, who won impressively at Aintree. Big Buck’s is almost certain to go to Newbury on December 1. On the same day, Bobs Worth could run in the Hennessy Gold Cup. Mr Mole, who ran well to win a novice hurdle at Exeter in October, is entered at Wincanton this Saturday (November 10), so tune into Channel 4 Racing from 1.55pm.

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