Overwhelmed by the awards as I chase winners in Scotland

I was overwhelmed in fact. It completes what was a famous year for me. To receive such recognition from my colleagues and to get such a reception had me almost lost for words.

Good Friday is traditionally a day off for the horse racing industry, so I will enjoy a quiet time before a weekend in Scotland chasing winners.

Musselburgh Racecourse has a double-header on Saturday and Sunday, and I reckon I have some decent chances of winners tomorrow afternoon.

The first is Alejandro in the maiden sprint race at 2.30pm. He was beaten by just a head on his racecourse debut at Ripon a fortnight ago, and he should go very close tomorrow because his first run will have done him the power of good.

Just over half-an-hour later, I ride a horse that I think a lot of – Glen’s Diamond in the nine-furlong handicap. He shoulders top weight on his seasonal debut. On his form of last season, which included a win at Newmarket, he would be the one to beat. It’s quite a hot race, though.

Another one worth watching is Oddsmaker in the stayers’ race at 4.45pm. This will be my first time on board the 10-year-old, who is closing in on no fewer than 100 races. Five of his 11 career wins have been at the East Lothian track, so maybe I’ll be able to make it six from 12.

None of these horses are shoo-ins by any means, but I’ll be disappointed if I don’t finish the afternoon with at least one winner on the board.

Looking ahead to the big races and the bigger meetings to come, it was announced earlier this week that Richard Fahey’s star horse Wootton Bassett would miss the QIPCO 2000 Guineas. As I wrote a week ago, it was already looking doubtful because of hold-ups in his training.

Actually, I think it’s a blessing in disguise. The time pressure is now off and we can make sure he’s absolutely ready when he does reappear this season. He’s entered in both the French and the Irish 2000 Guineas next month, so those are serious options.

We have great hopes for Wootton Bassett, who was unbeaten in no fewer than five races last season, including the DBS Premier Yearling Stakes during York’s Ebor Festival.

At Richard Fahey’s yard in Malton, we’re already looking forward to the Dante Festival at York between the 11th and the 13th.

We’re very hopeful of a big run from Rose Blossom in the Duke of York Blue Square Stakes which is very much the plan at present. She has come on superbly over the winter. She’s grown up into a really nice horse, and I can’t wait to get back to Knavesmire where we enjoyed two successes last season.

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.