From Best Mate to the magic of Russell – nothing holds a candle to racing

The reason I love racing is because of my family’s interest in the sport – particularly National Hunt – which comes from both sides of the family. Racing to me is not just a Saturday with my late father with a Lucky 15 on, it’s a Tuesday afternoon with my grandad watching the action from Ffos Las or Plumpton.

My earliest memory is Best Mate winning his third Gold Cup, and seeing horses like him, Moscow Flyer and Brave Inca winning at Cheltenham is what really got me hooked on the sport.

Live racing is what I truly love, the thrill of which is unrivalled. As much as I enjoy watching racing on TV it doesn’t hold a candle to the sheer excitement of race day. It’s the smell of hoof oil as horses parade and the shouts of bookmakers and punters alike as prices are cut and pushed out – and best of all is the roar of the crowd as a favourite comes home in front.