LATER this month, I begin an exciting new phase of my life, when sending out my first runners as a licenced trainer. Circumstances and opportunity dictated that I base myself at Chantilly in France, rather than at home in Ireland or in Britain. Having wanted to train racehorses from as long as I can remember, it is satisfying to finally see those dreams come to fruition.

My parents own Roundhill Stud, in Limerick, so I suppose you could say I was born into the industry. From an early age, I rode ponies and competed in show jumping competitions.