'He was my first Cheltenham winner and the first one is always special'

Leading jump jockey Richie McLernon recalls his five favourite horses

Richie McLernon and Holywell return to the winners' enclosure after victory at the 2014 Cheltenham FestivalCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

He was a real spring horse and would really light up on the big day. He was a personal favourite of mine and I rode him out – even on the bad days he would be something to look forward to in the mornings. You were always hoping there was a big day in him and I was lucky enough to win twice on him at the Cheltenham Festival. Now he is retired he is back in Ireland at home where my parents look after him and he takes care of the young horses.

He was owned by Trevor Hemmings and I rode him a lot at Eugene O'Sullivan's. He was a horse who got me going in my career.

He was a great ride in point-to-points and I was lucky enough to have my first ride round Aintree on him and we finished fourth in the Foxhunters' over the National fences. I'm lucky to still be associated with Mr Hemmings and ride for him now.

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Published on 16 November 2018inFeatures

Last updated 13:57, 16 November 2018

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