'Charlie was riding Istabraq and living next door – magic'
In-form jockey-trainer Denis Hogan on Charlie Swan
The man who influenced me most in making a career in racing is Charlie Swan. He was a big part of developing my love for racing throughout my upbringing.
It was magic really; Charlie was a national celebrity riding Istabraq at the time and living next door in Cloughjordan [County Tipperary].
Istabraq was absolutely massive for me as a young person and I can vividly remember the atmosphere in Fox's Den Pub [which the Swan family were associated with] during those famous Champion Hurdle wins. It was almost as good, if not better, than being in Cheltenham.
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