For many years Plumpton Racecourse has had some very strong ties with my family.

My father Josh was one of the most successful jockeys riding more than 65 winners at Plumpton – only AP McCoy has ridden more. As a trainer, he saddled more than a hundred winners at Plumpton over his long and distinguished career.

My sister Tina Cook has also ridden the racecourse on charity days. And whilst I’ve never ridden the course I have saddled many mounts and, for me, as a National Hunt trainer, I always see Plumpton as a great local track, its great for owners as everything is in close proximately and it has great facilities, whether you want sit down dining or an amazing salt beef sandwich.

With its proximity to our stables in Findon, just a dozen miles along the South Downs Way, and its similar feel to our own gallops, we have high hopes each time we turn up here.

The last few weeks have been very exciting with the impending birth of our first child and we are delighted to say that my wife Ruth gave birth to Amelia Grace on Friday, August 28, weighing 7lbs, 14oz.

Both are doing very well and I would like to thank everyone for all their good wishes.

We have a very exciting year ahead embarking on my seventh season since I took over from my old man. We have a stable bursting with potential stars, we will have around 40 horses in training when they all come back from their summer breaks.

If the rain comes we hope to have some runners in October and may be even at Plumpton on the Moorcroft Day where last year we had a winner with Tullymore Dew…fingers crossed.