Chance would be a fine thing – as charity may soon realise

The Dikler is keen to lead an active retirement when the time comes, although anonymity can have its drawbacks when trying to help out in the community.

Such concerns would surely not have crossed the mind of former trainer Noel Chance who, after spotting an advertisement requesting volunteers at his local Riding for the Disabled Association in the Downpatrick area, thought he would join up and offer a helping hand.

Having supplied references from three local ‘good eggs’ to prove himself worthy, Chance then faced an interview. All went well and the last question to the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning trainer was, “Do you know anything about horses?”