I was delighted with Sire De Grugy’s run in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on Saturday.

The two that finished in front of him are the ones that shouldn’t finish behind him, so I’m more than happy with that.

We wanted to sharpen him up after a long time off and see how he would respond after having injuries last year.

He came back as sound as I’ve ever known him.

I’ve never seen him as well as he was the morning after his race, which proves to me that the ground is a big influence on him now.

Firm ground, or even good ground, just kind of jars him up.

While the weather will likely dictate his plans for the year a little bit, I would say it’s all go towards the Tingle Creek at Sandown on 9 December.

He could run in the Haldon Gold Cup in two weeks’ time but that’ll come quick enough after the other day.

Looking further ahead, there’s the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham’s November meeting which is on the radar for both him and Traffic Fluide.

Plans for Traffic Fluide and Ar Mad

Sunday’s Old Roan Chase is still definitely the plan for Traffic Fluide.

I wouldn’t want the ground to be too quick for him, either. If that was the case, I wouldn’t run him. The softer the better for him, to be honest.

He’s done enough over the summer and is likely to be a little bit fitter than Sire De Grugy was. He’s had a bit more time and I couldn’t be happier with him.

Still, he’ll come on for the run. All of mine seem to be needing the run at the moment!

Lastly, Ar Mad’s first run of the season will come in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on 7 November.

He’s very well and touch wood he’ll be fine to go there.