A.P. McCoy has probably never been busier despite giving up race riding. One of his treasured roles is ambassador for the children’s charity WellChild, which makes it possible for children and young people with complex health needs to be cared for at home instead of hospital, wherever possible.

In Britain the Jockey Club has launched an initiative in conjunction with WellChild and the Cotswold Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), giving children the opportunity to groom and ride a pony at Cheltenham Racecourse.