So much has happened in the last fortnight, it is hard to know where to begin. A five-timer across the card on a Saturday, three thirds in Grade 1s in Auteuil and a stack of novices winning, all makes for an exciting few months ahead. There were 11 winners from 46 runners in the two weeks with another four horses placed at Grade 1 level.

On November 3rd, Scott Marshall and I made the long journey from our Somerset base through the Channel Tunnel to visit Maison-Laffitte for three days. Reigning French champion hurdler Ptit Zig was heading back to his beloved Auteuil for the Grand Prix D’Automne and Dolos, a juvenile, was due to run in the Prix Cambaceres.