WHAT was meant to be a fruitful period for the racing industry over Christmas and the New Year turned into a non-event.
The fixture programme was decimated by either frost or snow with most meetings lost.
It's very frustrating for us in the industry, but thankfully things seem to be up and running again.
The King George VI that was due take place on Boxing Day has now been rescheduled for January 15. AP McCoy takes the ride on Kauto Star with Noel Fehily back on the sick list after damaging his wrist again.
Our local Coral Welsh National at Chepstow – due to be held on December 27 – now takes place in two days time on Saturday January 8. Hopefully, all you local racing fans will still be able to find time to make it to the track.
I still fancy Watamu Bay, a horse trained by Paul Nicholls, but there's been an awful lot of money for Jonjo O'Neill's Synchronised, who will have AP McCoy on board. Synchronised had a recent run over hurdles to freshen him up.
Last week, champion flat jockey Paul Hanagan had all his dreams come true when he was presented with his trophy by Ian Rush at Liverpool's home ground, Anfield.
Paul is a lifelong Liverpool fan and was given a warm reception by the fans when he walked out onto the pitch at half-time. Not to be outdone, AP McCoy was presented with his BBC Sports Personality of the Year award at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium last week.
Both of these presentations were arranged to promote Racing for Change, a movement which is trying to take racing to a much wider audience.
Sedbury trainer Milton Bradley has decided to keep his seasoned sprinter The Tatling in training for a while longer after he finished a good second last week.
Milton reported that the horse is in great form and he is still hoping to retire him on a winning note.
Looking ahead to this weekend, I'd be surprised if Sam Winner did not win at Chepstow, while I also like the look of the Nick Williams trained Royale's Charter in the first race at Wincanton.