Philip Hobbs still has the Midas touch - and I'll never put anyone off him again

Every family will have its own Christmas traditions. Growing up in a racing-mad household like mine the main one has always been finding the Boxing Day nap to pass on to the extended family along with the Christmas greetings.

Perhaps I'll remember not to get involved in making the selection next year after my disastrous intervention looking over the declarations last weekend.

"Isn't Thyme Hill a massive price?" came the suggestion. I agreed he was big enough that we would all look a bit silly after the race if he won having been allowed to go off unbacked against horses who wouldn't have been able to hold a candle to him over hurdles.