LAST Sunday I travelled horses to Salisbury for my boss Pat Shanahan, where we were successful with two of our four runners. This weekend I am on the road again, as we have a couple engaged in Hamilton tomorrow.

My background is in pony racing, where I initially worked with my father, before training a few on my own. Dad always had a couple for flappers and as soon as I was old enough I was helping him at home. I rode a small bit myself but was always a bit on the big side. Our small yard saw many fine riders go through it’s doors over the years including the likes of John Egan, Muredach Kelly, Graham Gibbons and Mick Darcy.