There are a few questions in life that need answering. Why does the toast always land butter-side down on the carpet? Or will you get through an entire Christmas avoiding reruns of the Sound of Music or the Great Escape?

Another might be just why the wheels have fallen off the wagon for Alan King lately? A strike-rate of 11% is way below his normal strike-rate and the 23 winners he posted by the end of November compared with the 60 he saddled by the same time last season.

King chalked up the first winner for December when Bakbenscher won the beginners’ chase at Wincanton, after which he suggested that he and the vets may have finally come up with a solution that would have had this intensely competitive man pacing up the Axminster like an expectant father outside the maternity room.

 Speaking in an interview with Racing UK, King said: “After numerous tests we think we have identified the problem.  Blood tests have revealed high muscle enzyme readings and we are treating the problem now.

“The high readings were probably caused by an electrolyte imbalance and it has taken a while to discover the exact problem. We’re by no means out of the woods yet and it could be at least another week to a fortnight before we are firing properly.”

Punters take note, if he is right expect the King horses to come out all guns blazing over the busy festive programme.

Paul Wheeler