I’m at Thirsk this afternoon for five rides, with the last at 4.10pm, before heading to Hamilton for the 7.15pm and the first of four mounts. I have two hours and 40 minutes to get there before I need to weigh out.

It’s going to be tight and any hold-ups could scupper me. However, Saturday afternoon is probably the best time of the week to drive so fingers crossed I’ll be alright.

I will be disappointed if I don’t leave Thirsk with at least one winner.

Richter Scale won over this course and distance before disappointing slightly next time at Musselburgh when favourite. She is in good order at home and has a good chance in the nursery.

Dragon King runs in the six-furlong handicap and the ease in the ground will help. It was a little too quick for him at Haydock last time, but the form of the race has worked out well and he will run a big race.

Sea Wolf hasn’t shown much in his two runs this season, but I sat on him on Saturday and he seemed full of himself. He’s dropped to a nice mark of 85 and has an each-way chance in the seven-furlong handicap.

The highlight on the card is the Totepool Summer Cup, in which Finn Class carries my hopes. He is one of four runners for my boss Michael Dods, so I hope I’m on the right one.

He comes here on a hat-trick and is the form of his life. Stablemate Kiwi Bay was second in the race last year and has 7lb taken off his back by Phil Dennis. He could easily leave me red-faced if I have picked the wrong one.

My pick at Hamilton is Ocean Sheridan, who goes for three wins in as many weeks at the course. I flagged him up as a confident selection on both previous occasions in this column and I can’t see any reason to desert him now. He’s very, very tough and while this is a slight step up in grade, I think he can complete the hat-trick in the six-furlong handicap.

I won’t be at Goodwood to see Richard Hughes sign off. He will be greatly missed by everyone in the sport, including myself.

I spent a fair bit of time with him in India and learnt a lot from him, namely how to relax a horse. He has the best hands in racing and knows how and when to get cover and save petrol. He also knows exactly what tempo a horse should be going. He was very helpful to me in that regard.

I know he’s had his demons in the past but there is nobody better in the weighing room at conducting themselves. If you’ve listened to him assessing a race over the last ten years, then it’s like listening to a trainer and if he’s half as good a trainer as he is a jockey, then he will be a success.

So much has been said about Sir Peter O’Sullevan by far more illustrious racing people than me, but for what it’s worth, all my first memories of racing are accompanied by the soundtrack of his unmistakeable commentaries. However many more commentators come and go, there will never be anyone to compare with Sir Peter.

Finally, it was great to see Connor Beasley back on a racecourse after suffering a fractured skull and spine, and a damaged neck in a horrific fall at Wolverhampton.

He has made giant strides and is determined to ride again. I’d say it’s a sure thing he will. You just have to look at Brian Toomey’s recovery to see what can be achieved in the most dire of circumstances.

Paul is sponsored by leading racing broadcaster Racing UK, which recently launched its Day Pass. The new service enables racing fans to watch a day’s action for a one-off fee of £10. Visit racinguk.com/daypass for more.