AFTER a two-year absence from race-riding having been diagnosed with epilepsy, I recently got the all clear to resume my career. With new guidelines having only been introduced in recent months, I am the first man in this country to do so. I am under no illusions that it is a long road back but I have come this far and am determined to make the most of this second chance.

My world was turned upside down in March 2015, when Dr. Murray at the Hermitage Clinic, confirmed that I had epilepsy and therefore had to retire with immediate effect. I had been referred to the latter by Turf Club Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Adrian McGoldrick, in order to get a Neurologist’s opinion.