HIS wife Aimee was always the rock bulwarking his existence, and the transition to a more secure and successful lifestyle as a multiple Group 1-winning flat jockey compared to what had been his lot in the National Hunt sphere has definitely helped brighten his days. The support of family and friends is crucial too.

But if Dougie Costello has to pinpoint one event that rescued him from the desolation threatening to overwhelm him, it is the birth of his daughter Aoife in March 2014.