Double at Fakenham on Friday 

Calipso Collonges went off a very short-priced favourite but he did what he had to. 

He is a horse that is on the upgrade, having won twice since moving to England. Hopefully he can continue to progress as the season goes on. 

Melekhov impressed me on his first start at Ludlow and he took another step forward on Friday. 

He’s very much a horse for next season. He’s got plenty of size about him so he should continue to improve with time. 

It was nice to get a winner for Philip Hobbs. His horses are hopefully beginning to come back into form which is fantastic ahead of the big spring festivals. 

Wincanton on Saturday 

I think the sticky ground at Wincanton didn’t quite suit War Sound. He travelled well but just got a bit bogged down three out which probably cost him the race. 

The way he finished was very encouraging, so I don’t see why he won’t be getting his head in front soon. 

Allee Blue was another to run a nice race. He is one who is definitely improving and his performance on Saturday was a big step forward. 

Like many of Philip’s this season, once things fall into place, I’m sure they’ll be finding their way to the winner’s enclosure. 

I was encouraged by Flying Tiger’s performance in the Betway Kingwell Hurdle. 

The plan is now to go the County Hurdle at Cheltenham which I think he can be competitive in. 

He’s shown he loves the track having won last year’s Fred Winter which is always a big positive. 

I’d like to think some better ground will bring out the best in him and he’s one at a decent price to keep an eye on. 

Market Rasen on Sunday 

I think Oxford Blu ran into a pretty useful sort of Dan Skelton’s, so I was encouraged by the run. 

We are hopeful he’ll get into the Fred Winter which I think he’d have solid claims in. 

He was a real stayer on the flat so I don’t see why Cheltenham won’t suit him. 

It’s nice to have ridden a couple of horses over the weekend where Cheltenham looks a realistic target. 

We’re at that time when all plans are focused around the upcoming big festivals and you want horses to be coming into form. 

It was obviously great to get a winner for my parents on The Last Bridge in the closing race on the card. 

He’s 11 now but seems to be in the form of his life. 

He won off his highest ever mark and hopefully he hasn’t finished improving just yet. 

Ascot Chase 

It was a very poignant day for the Jefferson family with Waiting Patiently winning the Ascot Chase. 

It would be the way Malcolm Jefferson would have wanted to be remembered having such a top-class horse and Waiting Patiently looks to be a real flag bearer for the yard. 

Ruth Jefferson is already doing an amazing job having taken over from her father and I’m sure this win will really put her name in the spotlight. 

It was also fantastic for Brian Hughes to get his first Grade One winner. He has been a massive part of the team for a long time. 

I thought Cue Card jumped and travelled as good as I’d seen for a long time. 

Colin Tizzard's horses are really coming back into form and Cue Card showed there is still plenty left in the tank. 

He is being aimed at the Gold Cup which is totally understandable after running so well on Saturday. 

The race is getting more and more competitive by the day with Our Duke returning to form in Ireland. It promises to be a fantastic renewal in March. 

Black Corton and Bryony Frost 

Bryony Frost once again got a great tune out of Black Corton at Ascot. The horse continues to improve and looks a real contender for the RSA at the festival. 

Bryony is one of a number of young jockeys who are coming through fast, which keeps us older ones on our toes! 

The success they are having shows the future of the weighing room is in great hands. 

Ted Durcan and Liam Tredwell 

Both Ted Durcan and Liam Tredwell will be big losses for the flat and jumps weighing rooms. 

I wish them both well in their retirements.