WELL here we are, facing a second week of sub-zero temperatures.
Racing is really struggling at the moment and even the all-weather tracks have found it difficult to keep their surfaces frost free.
Temperatures will certainly need to rise significantly for racing to return this weekend, but I seriously hope they do.
Donald McCain reports that his unbeaten hurdler Peddler's Cross is in fine fettle after defeating last year's Champion Hurdle winner Binocular in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newbury. This race was rerouted to Newbury from Newcastle – a good move on everyone's part.
Peddler's Cross could now go to Haydock in the New Year and I suspect, if all goes well, he's sure to be a lively contender for the Champion Hurdle in March.
Robert 'Choc' Thornton returned to race riding on Sunday at Exeter.
Choc has been on the sidelines for five months after suffering extensive damage to his knee way back on July 5. I'm sure he's delighted to be back working.
Nigel Twiston-Davies has withdrawn Gold Cup/Betfair Chase winner Imperial Commander from the King George VI chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. I'm hoping that my jockey Noel Fehily will be fit to ride the four-time winner Kauto Star in the race. Noel injured his left wrist two weeks ago.
With the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year due to take place on December 19, racecourses and sponsors alike have been getting behind the campaign to promote 15-times champion jockey AP McCoy for this prestigious award.
This really would be great for racing and AP seriously deserves the award in recognition of his fantastic career.
Personally, I think it will be a close call between AP and Irish golfer Graeme McDowell – but there is only one person that you should be voting for and that's AP McCoy.
If the weather improves, there's an excellent eight race card at Cheltenham on Saturday, including the rearranged Tingle Creek Chase.
There's no reason why Little Josh can't go in again in the Vote AP Gold Cup over two miles and five furlongs.
Paul Nicholls is set to run Sam Winner in the Triumph Hurdle trial and this one looks the ideal type of horse to win the Triumph itself.
The champion trainer may also run rising star Silviniaco Conti at Cheltenham in the International Hurdle.
This horse is very smart, but he might meet his match in Colin Tizzard's Cue Card. I think Cue Card is Champion Hurdle material.