FORMER amateur rider Glen Norris has gone into the horse transport business.

Based in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, Glen spent two and a half years with Ladbrokes’ on-course business but he faced a crossroads in his life when Ladbrokes decided earlier this year to cease operations on the track.

“I love driving and I love horses, and I wanted to do something I enjoy. I had the idea of buying a horsebox, so I looked for advice from Pat Flynn and Henry de Bromhead, two people I have worked for in the past. They both gave me encouragement, especially Henry, who pointed out that I had the advantage of being comfortable handling horses.”

This pushed Glen to take the plunge and he bought a high-spec horsebox. “I got a small redundancy payment from Ladbrokes, sold my car and motorbike, and bought a 2017 Opel Movano two-horse box. In my first week I got five days’ work from Pat and Henry, taking horses to Gigginstown, Punchestown and Philip Reynolds - I loved it.”

Glen reckons there will be opportunities for him across the south of the country. He has been into the yards of John Kiely and Robert Tyner in recent days, and everyone is admiring his new wheels.

“There will be days when trainers are busy and need a horse collected or brought home or taken to the vet. A lot of trainers know me from me riding days. I rode a lot of winners for Pat back in the days when we had the likes of French Ballerina and Flagship Uberalles, great times.”

Glen admits he is not a GAA man but warns his Limerick friends to be ready for a shock in Sunday’s All-Ireland Hurling Final. “It’s that kind of a year, everything is turned upside down. Wouldn’t it be great for hurling if Waterford won it.”

If you need his services or you want to put him right on matters GAA, call Glen on 087-7795777.

Put his number in your phone, you might need him someday.