MY new year got off to the perfect start at Fairyhouse on Sunday when I rode my first career double, while also losing my 7lb claim as a jump jockey. I was thrilled to reach this milestone so early, as I only rode my first National Hunt winner in July 2015, having initially started out on the flat.

I was born in Waterford City and none of my family had any interest in horses. It was while on a school tour to a local riding centre that I first came into contact with the animals. I loved it from that first day and soon became a regular at the centre. As soon as I was old enough to leave school, I went up to RACE at the Curragh.