I HAVE worked with horses all my life. In more recent times I changed direction, moving from racing into the stud side of the industry, where I am really enjoying my current role as stud groom at Jockey Hall Stud.

I started off my career in pony racing, before moving on to ride in point-to-points for Pat Hutchinson. One Sunday afternoon, having just ridden a winner at Gowran Park, Con Collins asked me would I come and work for him for three weeks, while he went on holidays – but three weeks turned into 14 years!