AS someone who has worked in racing since my mid-teens, I was delighted to recently be honoured at the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards. With finalists nominated by those within the industry, it means so much to see that the hard work and long hours don’t go unnoticed.

My parents always had horses, but more hunting than racing. I was on a pony before I could walk and, from about four or five, I hunted with the [Galway] Blazers. I did pony club, shows and hunter trials all the way along as well.