I REALISED a lifelong ambition last Friday week night when recording my first ever win as a jockey. It was extra significant, in that I also own Eat The Book, the horse that helped me finally reach that elusive milestone. While riding a winner had always been something of an obsession, above all else, I just love race-riding and working with horses.

My introduction to horses came about through my father, who had one in training with Colin Keane’s grandad, Vincent (Keane). Dad used to go down to the yard in Trim to ride out and I would sometimes accompany him.