I wonder whether I'm the only owner's husband who thinks the racing industry is incredibly lucky that I abandon all my business instincts and let my wife provide them with runners without any chance of seeing a financial return on the investment.

When Key Cutter failed to make any impression in our first race of the season I began to wonder whether Alex was would start to lose interest in the sport, but everything changed at Aintree the following Saturday.

A competitive member of my golf club who takes a casual but cynical interest in the Alex Timpson string asked me a challenging question last weekend. "What does your wife hope to achieve next season?"

In only a few weeks we hope to be back on a racecourse but things never start as soon as you think.

I was in London two days before the opening ceremony and walked through a sun-drenched St James' Park at lunchtime surrounded by flags, banners and signs to Beach Volleyball on Horse Guards' Parade.

It would have been nice to end the season with a win but sadly we went out with a whimper.

Some time ago I realised that racehorse owners are highly unlikely to see any return on their investment but Alex still dreams of saddling a winner at the Cheltenham Festival.

Alex and I were a long way away from Musselburgh when Key Cutter set off as favourite in a three-mile chase boosted by an appearance on The Racing Post list of horses making the longest trip to racecourse.

Owners could be forgiven for wondering whether their contribution to racing is seriously valued. It is not just a question of cash although the pathetic pickings on offer are a clear indication that we must all do it for love not money.

I was somewhat shocked to discover that my last account of events from the Alex Timpson stable was written in August, but I have a good excuse.

I am conscious that it is a few weeks since I reported on our racing story, but with all of Alex's horses out in the fields there has been little to report.

Just to make you jealous I must mention that I am currently on holiday on Mustique – three weeks of sun, tennis, rum punch and close encounters with our eight grand children.

Alex and I visited Aintree on both Friday and Saturday – Ladies Day and The Grand National in glorious sunshine – some of the best racing of the season. Over those two days I must have backed more than 30 runners without finding one winner.