Mick Fitzgerald: 'I didn't get nervous because it wasn't my day job - my day job was riding winners'

Over the course of the next few weeks we will bring you a series of app-exclusive Q&As with star racing broadcasters. Next up: former top jockey and ITV Racing broadcaster Mick Fitzgerald

How did you get into TV?

George Irvine, who was the boss of At The Races at the time, asked me to come and do some stuff for them in about 2004 or 2005 and it's down to him. I felt good because I was talking about something I was passionate about and having ridden for so long I was able to do an all right job. I didn't get nervous because it wasn't my day job – my day job was riding winners and this was something different. I enjoyed it more than I felt under pressure.

Who were your TV heroes?

Des Lynam. He fronted Grandstand on a Saturday and the Grand National, which is obviously the big race. He was always in charge and in control. Clare Balding had a great affinity for making people feel involved. She had an incredible work ethic and she was meticulous.

What's your favourite meeting?

Cheltenham. It's very different as a rider versus on TV. There isn't the same pressure, which is the major thing. When you go there as a rider you're expected to deliver the goods and you have that internal excitement. Going in as someone who works in the media I'm excited because I know what it's like as a rider to go there with chances. There's a little bit of me that's very jealous of Nico de Boinville, Paul Townend and Jack Kennedy.

What's the most challenging meeting?

There isn't one meeting in particular but sometimes when you're critical of riders and spot something not many other people do, you might get heat as it may have gone unnoticed otherwise, but my job is to pick up on stuff like that now. The way I look at it is if I criticise a rider, I'll also try to champion that same rider if they do a good job. You have to be ready for the day when you get it wrong. If I do a bad job and people criticise me I feel I'll deserve it.

What's the funniest thing you've seen on a racecourse?

I was working for At The Races and someone in the gallery was talking to myself and John Hunt and asked if we'd like something to drink. I said "tea please", not knowing we were live on air. John was giggling like a schoolkid and they used it as a meme after that.

What's the key to doing your job well?

Preparation. It's key. The better prepared you are the more comfortable you feel in front of a camera. I'll be working all the way up to the weekend so I'll spend hours the night before making notes and even in the week putting together little comments on each horse. It's little things that aren't blatantly obvious to somebody. We can all read stuff from Timeform and the Racing Post comments but it's something you've spotted that can make a difference.

What was your most embarrassing moment on TV?

I can't think there has been one blatant incident but I'm sure there's been plenty. You call horses wrong and races wrong all the time, but so what? We all get things wrong. I always think you shouldn't ever be afraid to have an opinion. I'm happy to laugh and say I've got things wrong and in general if you engage with people they're happy you've done so.

Which horse are you most looking forward to running again?

Constitution Hill. In him you see something special and we all like watching the best horses. He walks past you and you don't notice him, whereas when Altior and Sprinter Sacre were around you were drawn to them. You notice him when he comes alive. Everybody who rides him all says the same thing, "he's freakish". I haven't seen a weakness to him yet, and his strongest asset is his ability to stay. Don't ever underestimate that.

Who wins the King George?

Paul Nicholls! I loved Bravemansgame in the first half of the year but I wouldn't underestimate Hitman because the way he stayed on at Aintree, I think he'll like stepping up to three miles and Paul has always said he'd be better as he gets older. Bravemansgame looked so good around there last year and lots of horses have gone on to do great things after winning the Feltham.

Read our exclusive TV presenter Q&As:

Josh Apiafi: 'I haven't seen a gelding good enough to give her 7lb in the Champion Bumper' 

Adele Mulrennan: 'Remarkably I tipped up five winners from six horses and then I got the job' 

Megan Nicholls: 'I accidently swore on camera - it's fair to say everyone has done it' 

Ed Chamberlin: 'Des Lynam is my ultimate TV hero - he could do anything'