WHEN I was a young lad, believe it or not, I was more interested in playing GAA than horses. I played from under-12 right up until minor level with my local club. Some people said after that “I could have been a contender,” I still don’t know if that was a good or bad thing! However, looking back now I have absolutely no regrets on focusing my attention on horses.

Growing up, I always wanted a pony and persisted at my dad until he finally gave in. I started to hunt with the local Meath Foxhounds, under the watchful eye of Johnny Henry. In 1996, I went to RACE, from where I was sent out to Pat O’Leary as an apprentice.