I’ve been watching my weight for ten days to ride Transmission - it reminds me why some people are so grumpy all the time
The racing writer of the year and top jockey on an unusual Cheltenham preparation and two big hopes
I rode at Naas on Sunday at 5.20pm and ran for the car to make the 6.50pm flight from Dublin. Halfway up the road I got a call to say that it was delayed an hour. I could have had a shower after all.
I meet Brian Hayes and Rachael Blackmore at the gate. Jane Mangan and Aine O’Connor wander up ten minutes later. Keith Donoghue joins the queue as we start to board. We’re having to take a bus to the plane, packed in like sardines, and just before the doors close Paul Townend hops in, the last man on. It’s a long walk from the lounge, you see.
Click. I close my seatbelt. I don’t bother to tighten it. Wouldn’t help, would it? I cross my legs and pull out Only a Game?, Eamon Dunphy’s book about the last year in his career at Millwall FC. I enjoy how real it is. A fascinating insight into football and team mentality.
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Published on inPatrick Mullins
Last updated
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- Two great warriors, the centre of the ring, dying seconds of the 12th - now that was a horse race
- No dogs chasing the horses, no trainer favouring telepathy over instructions - riding out for Harry Derham is rather different to Closutton
- Our bid for another jumps title is starting early - and I also think I was riding our next Cheltenham Gold Cup winner last season
- Drama at the Obstacle Anglais and a trip to the Infirmerie - it's just another Monday in Clairefontaine
- You’re Rachael Blackmore. You were relieved to get just one pro winner, you had to go up and down stairs on your hands and bum. But you did it all