FROM an early stage I knew that weight would prevent me from forging a successful career as a flat jockey, so after just two years riding on the level, I recently made the switch to jump racing. Thankfully I have got off to a great start at my new discipline, winning on just my second ride over hurdles.

I grew up watching National Hunt racing, as my second cousins, the Earls, owned horses such as Chicago Grey and Hoopy. The former was a Cheltenham festival winner for Gordon Elliott back in 2011, a day that none of us will ever forget. Although I was quite young at the time, it certainly ignited my interest in horses and racing in general.