Inaugural Champions Series can only be a good thing for British racing

I was thrilled not only to highlight to Yorkshire Post readers the chances of three runners on Saturday but also for all of the horses to win.

To return on Sunday and win three more times made for an amazing weekend.

I was even thinking of moving to Musselburgh as it is such a happy hunting ground for me!

It’s a much trickier challenge tomorrow, though.

The opposition to my mounts at the QIPCO 2000 Guineas Festival will be hot. I have five rides at Headquarters on Saturday, and I would be thrilled to come away with one winner. I don’t have a ride in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas following the decision to target trainer Richard Fahey’s star horse Wootton Bassett at alternatives in France or Ireland.

Trainer Henry Cecil’s Frankel is a superb horse, and I would fully expect him to win the principal race.

He appeared a bit keen on his seasonal debut at Newbury, but he looks like a machine.

Some of the most talented horses in our yard – ones that will be seen in the major races on Knavesmire over the summer months – are starting to emerge.

Kay Gee Be runs in the opening Suffolk Stakes after a 2011 debut win at Windsor this month. The horse is in good form, but it’s a tough ask.

It’s first time out this year for Arctic Feeling in the Palace House Stakes. The ground may be a bit firm though.

My best chance of a winner is almost certainly Alben Star in the handicap race at 4.20pm.

He won two of his three races in 2010, failing only in a nursery at York when the ground wasn’t ideal.

He wants firmer going, and he’ll get it tomorrow. I’m looking forward to his races this season.

Trainer James Given is putting me up on Indian Days in the Jockey Club Stakes following victory in the John Porter Stakes at Newbury this month.

Last season he was placed in a race at the Dante Festival at York. Again, it’s a tough race for him tomorrow but his victory in the Group 3 at the Berkshire track couldn’t be faulted.

On Sunday, I’m on board Barefoot Lady, supplemented for the QIPCO 1000 Guineas following her win in the Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket earlier this month.

It’s a step up, but she could run well. Barefoot Lady was placed in the Coral Rockingham Stakes at York last year.

This weekend marks the start of the inaugural QIPCO British Champions Series which comprises 35 of the premier Flat races in the racing calendar, climaxing in October with QIPCO British Champions Day.

The series encompasses key events like York Racecourse’s Ebor Festival in August.

I’m very much looking forward to being involved in the series – and it can only be good for British racing.

The opening meeting of the 2011 Flat racing season at York Racecourse is the Dante Festival. Book to see Yorkshire Post columnist Paul Hanagan in action at York Races from Wednesday, May 11 through to Friday, May 13 at www.yorkracecourse.co.uk or by calling the racecourse on 01904 620911.

Admission to the Course Enclosure, Grandstand & Paddock and County Stand ranges from £5 to £30. Three-day admission is from £10 to £77. The first race time on each of the three days is currently scheduled for 1.30pm. Gates will be open from 11.15am.