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Captain's Blog - Thursday 13th December

The Christmas party went off without incident last night.

At least I think that is the case. I left at about 10.15pm in order to make the last train home.

A lightweight effort I know, but in truth I am not the man I used to be when it comes to a night out. When I left there were plenty of people still partying and I suspect that would have been the case into the wee hours.

All the usual suspects were in attendance. Nick Luck, as ever, in a custom-made suit was working the room as only he can. Oli Bell was there too - he forgot his suit and shirt come to think of it.

The great and the good were there including most of our gallery staff, who out of all of us deserve a cold beer or two for all that they do. Some of them have tremendous stamina when it comes to these type of events and it would not surprise me at all if some of them are still there this morning. All in all it was a tremendous event, as my thick head this morning can testify. I am sure I am not the only one that is feeling a little fragile this morning.

This Kauto Star business rumbles on. A war of words has broken out between Paul Nicholls and Clive Smith. I have no wish to comment on the whole thing but, come on lads, surely the only thing that matters is the welfare of the horse. Clive and Paul should sit down with a cold beer in front of a TV and watch a DVD of Kauto's greatest triumphs and then shake hands on a job well done.

I am having a nightmare with my selections at the moment. I do not mind admitting that I am in a bit of a rut. I am not going to tell you to lump on to today's effort, which is Storm King in the 5.30 at Kempton. I could give you a multitude of reasons for selecting this horse, but let's just say he is in good form, likes Polytrack and Richard Hughes rides.

Today's selection:

5.30 Kempton - Storm King (7/2 Paddy Power)