Hello, folks. Evening Press here.

You wouldn't believe the week I've had. Don't worry, the training has been going great and things are still going to plan - the only problem is I've hardly had any sleep because of Lydia two doors down.

Lydia - her full name is Lydia's Look - is a stable-mate of mine here at Wold House and she was running yesterday up at Ayr. And don't we know it.

It's not just the fact she's been twitching and neighing all night in her sleep - we're all allowed to get excited - but she's just been going on and on about it.

Chanting "Ayr we go, Ayr we go, Ayr we go" all week and winding me up because I'm not allowed to race just yet, she's been getting right on my nerves.

Granted, she had every right to be excited. After finishing a fine fourth a fortnight ago at Thirsk, she expected to do well and was many top tipster's Nap choice yesterday - which I suppose says a lot about our trainer Tim Etherington, who's had a good success rate already this season with a high percentage of wins and places.

But Lydia's been harping on about it so much she's gone hoarse, pardon the pun. Indeed, it was only last night that we had any peace, as she was so tired after the long trip that she fell fast asleep. In a way I'm glad she didn't win, otherwise we wouldn't have heard the last of it - she would have turned from a neighbour into a neigh-bore.

Hopefully, though, when she settles back down again she'll give me some advice for when I finally get to race, which should be some time next month if all goes to plan.

Anyway, best go and get on with my training. To be honest, I need to make up for yesterday because with Tim up in Scotland, us kids messed around a bit. As the saying goes, when the trainer's away, the fillies will play.

Regards,

Evening Press

Updated: 14:05 Friday, June 01, 2001