jive bunny, balaclavas and snuggles

The perfect Cheltenham look?

The Cheltenham preview CD has finally left the building.

To say the production process has been stressful is something of an understatement but seven hours locked in a studio on Monday and the most eagerly-anticipated offering since Adam Ricketts launched his seminal Good Times album in October 1999 is on its way to an envelope near you.

Fleetingly, just fleetingly, I felt part of the music industry although more Jive Bunny than Stock Aitken and Waterman.

Even that talented trio of magic makers would struggle to make a top five smash from mixing Robert Alner on The Listener with a detailed discussion on the erection of the Guinness Villlage. Jive Bunny could have though.

It always worried me that this particular cutting edge dance troup were a father and son combo from Rotherham. There are boundaries over which that relationship should not strain and mixing "Tutti Frutti" with "All Shook Up" is definitely one.

As I write this Racing UK are repeating last year's Festival and while admiring John Hales' red jumper it dawned on me I am facing up to a hat crisis this year. What can a man of my age wear with dignity on his bonce?

Am I too young for a flat cap? Too old for a baseball cap? Too round-faced for a ski hat? So many questions. At this stage I am not going to rush into my purchase.

At school I was a proud owner of a balaclava but if you wear one nowadays it is very hard to get served in shops as the counter staff immediately lay down upon seeing one and repeatedly press the panic button.

Having been pepper sprayed in Paris I have no interest in annoying the authorities over here thankyou very much.

I am currently trying to come up for names for a new dog that looks to be heading my way too.

I wanted to name him after a favourite racehorse but Nashwan, Dayjur, Troy, Henbit and Royal Athlete have been poo-pooed by her who must be obeyed.

She currently sides with Detective Snuggles which has been repeatedly veteod.

No thoroughbred has been saddled with the name before - although there was a Snuggles who finished last of 16 on her sole start in a Salisbury maiden.

Anyway onwards and upwards and here's hoping Newbury beats the big freeze this weekend as Saturday's card looks to be as informative a set of trials as one could wish for.

There will be clues galore.

Over to you Detective Snuggles.