I HAD never sat on a National Hunt horse or even watched jumps racing prior to arriving in Closutton. However, what was once alien to me, has now become second nature, as I have spent the past 19 years working for Willie Mullins.

Last month, I had the privilege of leading up Energumene, a horse I look after and ride out at home, as he recorded a second successive win in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Cheltenham is the undoubted highlight of our sport and to be associated with a winner during that week is such an incredible feeling.

As a child growing up in Pakistan, I had more of an interest in cricket than horses. The love for horses came via my older brother who is a jockey in my home country. In my early teens, I would have gone to watch him race-ride, as well as spending my free time at the stables where he was employed.

During those years, I had an ambition of one day working with racehorses in Dubai. However, with no actual hands-on experience to call upon, I first needed to put that right. So, after finishing school, I went to the Lahore Race Club to begin my apprenticeship.

Fortunate

I gained further experience by riding out before or after my day at the race club. I secured an apprentice licence and had a couple of rides on the racecourse but shortly after, my dreams were realised as my visa for Dubai came through.

In 2002, I left Pakistan to begin a new role as a groom/work rider for Sheikh Mohammed. During my stay, I also competed in a number of endurance races.

Sheikh Mohammed and his family would have been regular competitors in these races over the years. It was an incredible experience for me, as it teaches you a lot about horses and managing their wellbeing.

I had only been in Dubai a year when a friend rang me to say that Willie Mullins was looking for staff. My friend, a mutual acquaintance of the trainer, suggested that it would be a good opportunity for me.

So, in July 2004, I arrived in Co Carlow with the intention of staying for a year or two. I think it says a great deal about Willie and Jackie as employers, that after 19 years I am still here and loving the job. They are just brilliant people to work for.

If any member of staff has a problem, either work related or personal, they know who to turn to. Their son, Patrick, who was just a young teenager when I first arrived in the yard, has gradually taken on more responsibility over the years.

As someone who can remember him going to school, it has been wonderful to watch him develop into such a fine jockey. Last year, he won the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham on Stattler, one of the horses I look after.

To be able to share in that win was very special for me. Patrick won that same race again last month on Gaillard Du Mesnil, becoming the winning-most jockey in its history.

Never schooled

With no jumps racing in Pakistan, I had never schooled over fences before I came to Ireland. In the beginning, I think it was the horses teaching me, rather than the other way round!

In later years, I used to school the younger horses in preparation for their hurdling/chasing careers but initially I learned the basics on the older, more experienced handicappers.

I was and still am, employed as a work rider; I ride out six or seven lots a day. Up until a few years ago, I continued to school as well as ride out.

In 2013, I was given the responsibility of Barn Manager, a task I oversee with one other colleague.

Working at such a successful yard, I have been fortunate enough to both look after and ride out some very good horses over the years. Al Boum Photo, a horse that I ride out and oversee in my barn, won back-to-back Gold Cups but I wasn’t present for either. As I had a young son at home, I didn’t travel but watched the races on television with great pride.

Brilliant

Last year, Energumene and Stattler, two horses in my barn, won on the first day at Cheltenham. I led both horses up and that feeling of walking back in with a winner is just brilliant.

It was also exciting to get to meet the Queen in the parade ring after the Champion Chase. Energumene made it back-to-back wins in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last month. To feel part of a team is something special but to be honest we are more like a big family; all the people working here have been here years, so that in itself says a lot.

In October, I was one of the recipients at the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards which were held at the Keadeen Hotel.

I was delighted to firstly be nominated and secondly win, as I felt I was representing not just myself but the entire yard.

Willie, Jackie and many of my work colleagues were in attendance on the night and that meant a lot to me.

In any job in any industry, it is important to feel respected and valued. I can certainly say that that applies in my case.

Imran Haider was in converstation with John O’Riordan