FOR the first and probably the last time this year I stood on a beach in temperatures barely above freezing this week.

No, I was not heading for a daring dip in the sea, but observing a training session of the Coral Welsh National favourite.

It was a beautiful Tuesday on the Pembrokeshire coast, a place trainer Rebecca Curtis takes her horses for a change of scenery and a freshen up.

Teaforthree looked in good shape and tighter for his most recent run in the Hennessy Gold Cup.

Once he returned to the stable with a couple of companions, he took great delight in munching on his food.

It was very much like an equine hotel and I must say these horses don’t lack for anything.

Indeed, Kauto Star had a great career at the yard of Paul Nicholls.

Yet he was abruptly removed this week, with just days to go until he stood on the sidelines while his favourite King George Chase is run.

I think it caught Nicholls and the staff by surprise because they thought they would have time to say a proper goodbye to the horse who was really part of the furniture at Ditcheat.

Owners pay the bills so they are entitled to send their horses to whichever stable they like, but I have to admit like Nicholls I was a bit surprised at the haste at which the move was completed.

From an outsider’s perspective, it looked a little ungrateful, for all the success the yard has had with the 12-year-old.

He became the public’s horse too over the years, so it is unsurprising many have aired their views on the subject.

From her tweets new rider Laura Collett clearly holds him in the highest regard.

It will be interesting to see how the pair get on when they learn dressage together and I wish them all the best.

I’m also keen to see how the Welsh runners get on at Cheltenham this weekend.

Over the two days, there are more entered than normal, with the likes of Tartak and Boyfromnowhere due for an outing.

When you’re standing in the paddock, it’s always extra special to welcome in a winner for the country this column is written in.

It’s also a relief when an Argus horse to follow reads the script and charges to success.

Our Father is out to make it two out of two over fences in today’s 12.45.

My Argus Twitter followers will know how excited I was to see this one finally deliver last month, his first stylish success since I witnessed his debut first hand at Chepstow.

The Pipe team will hopefully record a double, courtesy of the grey and Notus De La Tour.

I’m quite sweet on the six-year-old’s chances in the day’s big race and noted him swinging up the gallops in a video on Pipe’s website.

The trainer has decided to step him up in trip and like most from the stable he should be razor sharp for this, his first start of the season.

He seems to like the soft and boasts a good run behind the exciting Flemenstar in January.

The handicapper has also given him a chance for the £56,950 first prize – the only worry would be if he’s too keen in the first mile of the contest, which could count against him in the shadows of the winning post.