'Extra week can make all the difference' - Messire set for big Dipper run

Monday’s news of a third lockdown will hit millions of people very hard, so it’s a relief that the government continues to acknowledge the role that elite sports like football, rugby and racing can play in helping to lift the public’s spirits in such difficult times.

The rescheduling of the Dipper Novices’ Chase to Wincanton on Saturday has worked to our advantage and I’m hoping to run Messire Des Obeaux. He wouldn’t have been ready for Cheltenham on New Year’s Day, as it was simply too soon after his comeback win at Wincanton last month, but an extra week can make all the difference and he looks in good order.

Daryl [Jacob] was very pleased when he came in to school him on Monday, and so the Dipper is where he’s heading as long as he pleases us when he does a little bit of work in midweek. The Dipper’s a Grade 2 and a nice prize to be aiming for.