Don’t miss Unibet ambassador Nico de Boinville’s latest column as looks forward to his rides on a big card at Ascot

"Read the thoughts of five-time Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson and stable jockey Nico de Boinville exclusively at Unibet each week throughout the Jump Season. Unibet are an award-winning sports betting and casino operator with over 16 million customers, and proud sponsors of the Unibet Champion Hurdle, The Irish Gold Cup and betting partner of the Investec Derby."

WHAT a difference a week makes.

It was a bit strange not riding last Saturday and it was great to get going again once we got the all-clear.

I’ve been hearing all the stories of the lads who went off skiing. It sounds like they had a good time and I was a little envious but my wife made sure I wasn’t twiddling my thumbs.

There was plenty to be getting on with and I spent the six days off grafting away.

Luckily it wasn’t that long. Being in limbo scared everyone a bit and I think the BHA did a very good job in getting racing back on so quickly. It’s better to be safe than sorry I suppose.

Unfortunately, some of the horses trained by my boss Nicky Henderson can’t run due to the vaccination rules brought in.

PINSTICKERS Don't miss our pinstickers guide to the Betfair Hurdle

We’ve got to live by those rules and there’s a lot of us in the same boat. It’s not ideal and we are a bit envious of the ones who are able to race at the moment.

It comes with Cheltenham coming over the horizon but we’re quite capable of giving them racecourse gallops. It should be alright.

I’ve done some miles in the last couple of days. I drove all the way up to Kelso on Thursday. It’s a long old way when you’re in the car on your own but I had Joe Rogan’s podcast to keep me company.

As I was at Fakenham yesterday I stayed overnight and had a nice walk along Holkham Bay in the morning.

Luckily, I had a winner both days so I’m hoping that will continue at Ascot today.

I liked I Can’t Explain (12.30 Ascot) a lot when I won on him at Sandown on his debut in December. That form worked out really well and we always thought he would benefit from a step up in trip.

He got that last time at Cheltenham but he was a bit disappointing. I just don’t think he handled the undulations on the ground – it was good all round – and he certainly wasn’t the horse we know.