I’m hoping to have unearthed a Jewel for Fahey

Sunday even sees me jumping on a plane to fly to Germany where I’m riding at Baden-Baden Racecourse. It won’t help my defence of the jockeys’ championship crown but it is always interesting to compete internationally.

I was thrilled to get two winners during the Ebor Festival. There were some near misses, too. It was a superb occasion – and the crowds were great.

There were plenty of talking points. Indeed, punters may have been following the debate among some trainers over the ground and the going.

Personally, I think the chief executive and clerk of the course William Derby did a great job and the ground was fine. It rode ‘dead’, as we jockeys call it, but that’s what happens at this time of year when you get a downpour a few days before racing and then a dry spell.

I’m doing two ‘double’ shifts today and tomorrow as the summer season of evening racing approaches an end.

It’s Thirsk this afternoon and Newcastle in the evening. The principal reason I’m riding at the North Yorkshire racecourse is the debut of Northern Jewel for the boss, Richard Fahey, in the maiden race at 3.15pm.

Of course, one never knows how a horse will perform when making a first racecourse appearance. However, the filly is doing all the right things at home, so we go to Thirsk with optimism. It’s a decent race, though, with a couple of Godolphin runners among the 15 that will line up.

Up at Gosforth Park later on, I reckon Mango Music could run well for me in the fillies’ handicap race at 7.25pm. I think that my best chance will be on Ted’s Brother in the 5.50pm race. He won his last race a fortnight ago at Doncaster and has winning form from June over the same seven furlongs at Newcastle.

Tomorrow sees me going south to Goodwood races in the afternoon. I have three rides, and the one that is taking me down to the South Downs is Lily’s Angel in the Group 3 race at 2.50pm.

Naturally being a big Saturday at a major racecourse like Goodwood, it is a very decent race and the competition will be strong. My filly is most consistent and has run really well this season. I’d expect another big effort tomorrow.

Castles In The Air, which is owned by Channel 4 Racing analyst Jim McGrath, is a good horse and wouldn’t be without a chance in the heritage handicap at 3.50pm. However, it won’t be easy – and his last win was more than a year ago.

On my way back home to Yorkshire, I drop in for one ride at Windsor at 6.10pm. Even though she finished sixth of eight, Brushing ran a blinder in the Group 1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks last week at the Ebor Festival. Back to Listed company tomorrow, she must have a chance.

What with the trip to Germany on Sunday, where I ride Rose Blossom in a Group 2 race at Baden-Baden, I’m totting up the miles this weekend.

In a week’s time, I’ll be riding closer to home soil with Wootton Bassett still a possible for Haydock Park’s Betfred Sprint Cup on Saturday, September 3.

The next racing at York is on Sunday, September 4 when it is Press Family Raceday. As well as seven horse races, there is pony racing, an interactive racing zone, bouncy castle and appearances at intervals by children’s television characters Captain Barnacles, leader of the Octonauts, as well as Timmy the Lamb. Further details can be found on www.yorkracecourse.co.uk where online bookings can be made or by calling 01904 620911.

DARLEY STEPPING DOWN IN CHARGE OF JOCKEYS

KEVIN DARLEY has decided to step down as chief executive of the Professional Jockeys’ Association.

The former champion Flat jockey, who still lives in his adopted county of Yorkshire, will leave the Association at the end of November.

He said: “It has been a great privilege to work on behalf of all the members of the PJA during the past few years.

“Working in a totally different sphere within the sport has been a tremendous learning curve and I am obviously very keen to remain working within the industry.

“The PJA has taken considerable strides forward in recent years in regard to the welfare and support available to our jockeys.”

In the wake of his retirement from the saddle in 2007, Darley became the association’s industry liaison director before succeeding Josh Apiafi as chief executive upon his departure two years ago.

The PJA’s joint president, AP McCoy, said: “Jockeys are very sorry that Kevin has decided to step down. Kevin commands great respect among jockeys, and we thank him for the great efforts that he has made.”

Kieren Fallon rode his 100th winner of the season at Lingfield as his pursuit of the jockeys’ title continued.

The six-times champion has passed Silvestre de Sousa and has Paul Hanagan in his sights, so was pleased to reach his latest milestone in the Oilfield Insurance Agencies Handicap.

The 11-4 favourite Miss Blink was sent from Yorkshire by Robin Bastiman and hit the front with plenty of time to spare, keeping Jovial at bay.