The victory of Mike de Kock’s Archipenko in Hong Kong on Sunday was a magnificent advertisement for the Dubai International Racing Carnival was. A further demonstration of the top-class thoroughbreds who line up at Nad Al Sheba before going on to bigger and better things, if indeed that is possible after the multi-million dollar racing festival here.

Despite a good weekend for Aidan O’Brien with two big wins in Europe, I’m sure the gloss was taken off slightly bearing in mind the master trainer had previously handled the four year old last season, and with arguably mediocre success.

It’s perhaps ironic that it was Ballydoyle number one, Johnny Murtagh who suggested to current connections that blinkers could bring out improvement and help him to relax. Murtagh’s advice came after partnering the colt, by Kingmambo, on his de Kock debut in a handicap last February, when beating only two rivals. Royal Ascot now looks on the cards at a meeting which looks set to be represented by the biggest global contingent yet.

After almost a year under water, jumping returned to Worcester near the West Midlands in England last night, for the first time since the track was replaced by an unwanted lake following last summer’s floods.

Racecourse officials were still only able to hold an all-hurdles card as the chase course is still deemed un-raceable.

I have visited the track on many occasions and in several different guises. It’s a great place to enjoy the racing, viewing is pretty good and facilities are close, which is not the case for the stable hands who have to trek across the middle of the course from the stable area to reach the parade ring, something I have done several times, and will be in no rush to do so again.

We were joined on the track this week by young members of Tony Manuel’s Blue Stable string who were busy gaining valuable exercise practice during the quieter months.

I thought many of our string were well up to circus performing – both horse and rider – but judging by the antics of several of Manuel’s contingent, they would certainly give us a run for our money!

As Victor Meldrew would say “I don’t believe it”. I actually managed to pick the winner of the Grand National last Saturday and, considering there were 40 to choose from, I believe my feat is even more noteworthy.

Unfortunately, despite being the most famous horse race in the world (albeit not the most valuable), race watchers were left in the dark as the prestigious event was not screened on any of the local TV channels here.

After a 5am start, it is fair to say I slept pretty well on Saturday night.

After a busy day riding out, not to mention eight hours of live radio broadcasting, I was ready to hit the sack.

After such a highly accelerated build-up; it was nice to wake up on Sunday morning knowing that a work-free day lay ahead. It was, however, a day of mixed emotions.