EARLIER this week, I graduated with an MBA in the Thoroughbred Horseracing Industries from the University of Liverpool.
It was the culmination of two years hard work, during which time I also lectured at Hartpury University, as well as riding out for Fergal O’Brien. I was thrilled to also receive the student of the year award, an accolade that came as a pleasant surprise

According to my father, it all started when he bought me a rocking horse when I was just two years old. It just spiralled from there really - I got a pony when I was old enough and later did a lot of hunting with the North Kerry Harriers. In my early teens, I spent my summers in Ballybunion, working at a pony trekking centre owned by Marie and Padraig Murphy. Then, in my final two years in secondary school, I rode out for a local trainer Padraig O’Connor at weekends.