Here’s hoping that Theonlywayiswessex can win again for our sponsors at Plumpton on Sunday

January 1

Alan has asked me to send all website readers his best festive wishes but warns not to expect too many fireworks in the first couple of weeks of 2025 as January is when the Barbury equine team have their flu vaccinations.

Our first runners of the new year come in the same race at Huntingdon tomorrow, when both Rockola and Ezmerellda are declared for the mares handicap hurdle, but, while a dry cold day is forecast, Alan was not too pleased to hear that there has been plenty of rain around in East Anglia today as neither of our duo want testing ground.

Alan said:”There would not be much between the two of them, but I just hope the ground does not deteriorate too much. The step up in trip seemed to suit Rockola at Southwell last time, and she won well so I can’t complain about a 6lb rise and I hope she’ll again be competitive.

“Going up in trip could also bring out improvement for Ezmerellda, who has been getting outpaced over shorter distances which might also have been the reason why she was not jumping as well as she can.”

Alan is particularly looking forward to running Theonlywayiswessex at Plumpton on Sunday as the handicap chase is backed by the yard’s sponsor, Betgoodwin.

He said:”Theonlywayiswessex won easily over the course and distance in December, and it makes sense to go back as he has to go left-handed and is clearly happy on the track.

“Not surprisingly, he has risen 10lb in the handicap so will face a tougher task, but I hope there might be a bit more improvement to come, enough for him to win again for our sponsors.”