I HAD mixed feelings when I heard I was going to be spending my summer working in Johnny Levins’ racing yard. With no background in horses, I was afraid I wouldn’t know what to do, while the prospect of getting up at 6am certainly didn’t appeal. At the same time, I had always been fascinated by the power and strength of racehorses, so was curious to learn more. As it turns out, the whole experience has been fantastic, so much so, that I am already planning to continue at weekends once school resumes.

My first memory of going racing was Irish Derby day at the Curragh. I was immediately struck by how strong the horses looked in the parade ring; literally pulling the arms of the lads and girls that led them around. Although the horse I had my euro on could only finish second, the fact he was involved at all made the whole day so much more exciting. The colour, the crowds, the atmosphere; I loved it all.