I was informed yesterday, by the author, that Michael Tanner has commissioned the printing of 50 new editions of his book ‘My Friend, Spanish Steps’. If you wish to avail yourself of a signed and dated copy, price £14. 95, e-mail Michael at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. It is a prized edition of my small racing library and worth a place on the shelf of any racing enthusiast with a fascination for the history of National Hunt.Anyone who believes big, strong, wide-hoofed horses should be at home in heavy ground needs to think again. Very often a small mare with dainty hooves will skip through heavy ground to far better effect than a gelding of larger stature. I say this in order for the supporters of Final Demand, those with a financial stake in him winning the Brown Advisory at the Cheltenham Gold Cup, to not give up hope of cashing in those betting slips. He...

Sandown made the right call. Hands up, my criticism to pass fit the hurdles course was another example of my ignorance. It just goes to prove there is no substitute for experience and knowledge when it comes to making correct decisions.I thought Sixmilebridge was very impressive in the only Grade 1 of the season named after a local roundabout. He jumped well, adapted to the harsh underfoot conditions and galloped all the way to the finishing line. What was there not to like. It was an overdue second Grade 1 for a jockey whose ability in saddle suggests many more should have come his way by now and a fitting reward for the Megsons, owners of Sixmilebridge, people who invest regularly in the sport.For what it is worth, I agree with Fergal O.Brien, and disagree with Tom Scudamore, that Cheltenham and the Brown Advisory is the fitting next target for the...