THE 40-year-old Mitsumasa (Mitsu) Nakauchida has spent his entire life around horses. Born in Japan, he transferred to school in Ireland at the age of 16. This is when his career in racing truly began in Wicklow.

He then studied equine business at West Oxfordshire College, spending four months working for Sir Mark Prescott on a placement. For over three years Nakauchida rode out every morning for trainers Richard Hannon and Sylvester Kirk. He even rode as an amateur jockey and had two winners from just 10 rides, both at Lingfield. They were Dolphinelle for Richard Hannon and Twoforten for Paddy Butler.