AS I’m sure everyone is aware, it has been a really tough week — not just for me, but for all the witnesses who have been involved as well.
And obviously because the case is still ongoing and active — the BHA have scheduled three more days for the hearing next week — I can’t speak about it for legal reasons either.
But I can say how much I’m looking forward to a really exciting weekend, with two Grade 1s — at Sandown on Saturday and then Punchestown on Sunday – when I’ll have my first ride for Willie Mullins.
On Saturday afternoon I have the chance to ride GREANETEEN (2.25) in the Tingle Creek.
Every time I walk into Sandown I’ll carry the great memories of last April, when I won on him and Frodon in the space of just over half an hour.
It actually felt like ten minutes between them, and it was up there with any day I’ve had in racing.
First Flic Ou Voyou ran a massive race in the big handicap hurdle, Frodon did what he always does and got back up in the Oaksey Chase and then Grean capped it all by winning his first Grade 1.
I had just come back from my mishap in the Grand National as well, which made it even better.
You can’t beat hitting the ground running after an injury!
It was actually the second time I’d done that at Sandown, because I came back from a broken collarbone to win the Oaksey Chase on Black Corton a couple of years ago.
There’s a pattern there . . . but although winning is great, I’m not too keen on having the injury first!
It’s a small field this afternoon, only four others against us, but it’s always mega to be riding in these races, when it’s the best of the best.
And the Tingle Creek is always one of the most thrilling races of the season — certainly for those of us lucky to be in it. Riding a top-class chaser in a fast two miles over those fences. It’s such a buzz.
Chacun Pour Soi is the highest-rated of the runners, because he’s the best horse and is obviously the one to beat.
However my lad Greaneteen likes the track and there are a lot of positives for him.
Whether the rain will arrive and soften the ground, I wouldn’t guess the British weather, but regardless of that he is a young horse coming into the best part of his career.
He’s very sharp in his mind and physically, and although he was giving 17lb to some good horses in the Haldon Gold Cup, he was still in there kicking turning for home.
These small fields do become tactical but can be great fun. I’m excited about getting on him again.
It’s going to be a pretty hectic day, with just time for a few sugary cups of tea, because I’m on four others for Lucy Wadham as well, starting with SHANTUNG (2.40) in the mares’ handicap hurdle.
We won at Fakenham last season and she will come on for her first run of the season at Plumpton. The rain, if it comes, would help her.
Then it’s FLAT WHITE (1.15), and it will be great to have her back on the track after a small injury when she overstepped a year ago.
I was second on her at Uttoxeter last season. We’re still building and getting to know her, but hopefully she has strengthened up and it will be exciting to see how she goes.
I’m on ECLAIR DE GUYE (3.00) in the London National, which is always a tough affair, but there is certainly a big run in him.
He ran a bizarre race when I won on him at Huntingdon last December, when we looked like pulling up early on.
But he kept galloping, started jumping and ended up going so much better than anyone else that we won by nearly ten lengths.
Finally I ride MISS HERITAGE (3.35) in the Listed handicap hurdle, and she is a real pocket rocket, like a featherweight boxer — very fiery and feisty and loves her racing.
She’s always asking you: when can I go? And she put in a massive run to be second in the Imperial Cup last season. Hopefully she’ll run another great race here.
Then it’s off to Ireland on Sunday. Dave Roberts, my agent, rang yesterday to say I had the chance to ride FRANCO DE PORT (2.00 Punchestown) in the John Durkan.
I jumped at such a massive opportunity, I’ve not ridden for Mr Mullins’ team before, so it’s huge.
Every ride is important but to get a chance for these connections in a Grade 1 I’m privileged and thankful.
Let’s get kicking!
INTERVIEW by PHIL THOMAS. Bryony Frost is an ambassador for horseracing.co.uk. Follow her on Instagram @officialbryonyfrost
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