IN July of last year, I probably thought that racing was an easy game. After three winners in less than a fortnight, I’d ridden out my 10lb claim. Looking back now, maybe that turned out not to be the best thing for me.

I had only had 11 rides before that, so was still very green and inexperienced. I certainly couldn’t have imagined that it would take me another five months before I’d next visit the winner’s enclosure.