Unhealthy Top 40

Despite the fact there have been a couple of winners, the Top 40 Prospects hasn't enjoyed the best of weeks with a number of those included induring setbacks, injuries or worse. In chronological order, the horse on page 16 pulled up during the early stages of his chasing debut and was found to be suffering from atrial fibrillation, something which he overcame last season. Hopefully, he will be back in action later in the campaign. Successful on her second start over hurdles, the mare covered on page 23 returned with a nasty cut on her off-fore which resulted in her taken to an equine hospital afterwards. Her connections face an anxious wait to see if the cut impacted on her tendon. Despite the fact we mentioned it on Racing TV, the Racing Post never even reported it - once again, their lack of presence of track means important issues aren't reported. The horse on page 26 couldn't have been more impressive on his hurdles debut but I have received the same information from two separate / reliable sources that the six year old was lame afterwards. Finally, Declan Phelan commented last weekend that the youngster on page 42 is sadly no longer with us. Fingers crossed, the rest can remain in one piece.

On a more positive note, Karniquet made a successful start to his new career with Willie Mullins at Tramore on Tuesday. Featured in the French Revolution section - and won't be found in any other horses to follow publications - the Kapgarde gelding had finished runner-up on both his starts over hurdles in his native country before being acquired by Gigginstown House Stud. Returning from an absence of 274 days and having his first outing for Closutton, he wasn't hard pressed to beat fourteen rivals by eleven lengths impressing Paul Townend in the process. As discussed on page 147, the four year old will have no trouble staying further and could emerge as a prime contender for something like the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Club Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in March - novices need to have raced four times to qualify and the former Isabelle Pacault trained youngster has already run on three occasions. He looks a fair prospect.

Finally, best wishes to Nicky Richards following an accident at home earlier this week. Hopefully, the head of Greystoke won't be out of action for too long and back on northern racecourses sooner rather than later.