'He just might have a whiff of special about him' - my Christmas crackers

It didn't start too well. "A faller was State Man; State Man a faller." Our expensive French recruit for the Donnellys came down at the second-last in the opening maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day.

Hmmm, right, on to the next one. Sir Gerhard. All went to script here with the Champion Bumper winner hacking around in front before sprinting away after the last. Jonbon, we see you.

Ferny Hollow was the first to play for the big money in the Grade 1 novice chase. Riviere D'Etel was supposed to be the hare and lead us a merry chase with her weight allowance, experience edge and rapid jumping. You try telling Ferny what to do. He burnt the script in seconds, tanking to the front, fencing like a pro and blowing the race apart. And I think with his profile, he can improve again. Scary enough.