FOR National Hunt trainers in this country, it doesn’t get much bigger than the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown. So, to get a winner on St Stephen’s Day was special, as I have held my licence just a little over a year. Cedarwood Road, the horse that put me on the scoresheet, is an exciting young hurdler who I have high hopes for.

Hurling and horses were my two big passions growing up. Both my father and uncle hurled for Clare, while my aunts played camogie.