I had to sit on 99 winners for ten days before bringing up my maiden century but I was delighted to achieve the feat courtesy of Tara Flow on Monday.

I didn’t really feel any pressure as fortunately it was clear from an early point in the season that I was on course for 100 winners. I was confident it would happen but it was great to do it before the New Year.

The season couldn’t have gone any better. I’m clear second in the championship and have got on some really nice horses. Obviously, there will be a void following John Ferguson’s retirement from the training ranks, but hopefully something will come along to fill it next season.

I took over from AP McCoy in his role as John Ferguson’s preferred choice, and AP’s knighthood is thoroughly deserved, although not the biggest surprise in the world.

I am not sure about Sir Anthony though. I think I’ll just stick with champ!

On to Sandown today, and I have five rides but no real stand-out chances.

The pick is probably Arthur’s Oak in the 32Red Casino Handicap Chase. He won at Haydock on very heavy ground so hopefully the soft ground at Sandown, where he’s run well before, will have a similar effect. He’s lightly-raced for an eight-year-old and we think there’s still some improvement to come.

I ride Morello Royale for Colin Tizzard in the 32Red.com Mares’ Hurdle. She won a Listed race at Kempton last time so is clearly more than capable of winning at this level and should be in with a decent shout.

I read with real sadness about the death of Bob Bishop, one of Colin’s long-standing owners. I’d ridden a few times for Bob, including on Cue Card himself in Ireland last year. I also finished runner-up on Mount Oscar in the Racing Post Chase. He will be a big loss to the National Hunt game, and hopefully he managed to enjoy Cue Card’s crowning moment at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Vic De Touzaine is not a horse we’ve had for a long time but he is showing improvement with each run. Liam Treadwell rode him at Fontwell last time and he showed real promise. Hopefully he can nick some prize money in the 32Red Handicap Chase.

Relax runs in the Veterans Chase. He ran well up to a point at Sandown last time over three miles and five furlongs, which ultimately proved beyond him. He did win a decent race here a couple of years so likes the course and will appreciate a drop to three miles.

Leviathan is a grand old servant and runs in the handicap hurdle. He might lack a touch of class but could sneak a place.