'I never expected to be a dad so young - it's a different kind of special'

Marco Ghiani’s quiet demeanour would not hint at the fantastic year he has had in the saddle, but the large baby carrier that obstructs the riding gear in the boot of his car gives a hint as to how much the young jockey’s life has changed off the track, as well as on, in 2021.

An explosive winter on the all-weather opened the eyes of the racing world to the 22-year-old and he has continued to blossom on the turf. June featured a first Royal Ascot triumph and a new record of 15 winners in a month. The loss of his claim, a maiden Listed victory, a first treble and the building of a commanding lead in the race to be champion apprentice followed in July. August may have started with another bang courtesy of Ascot hero Real World had the Haydock weather not ruled out a tilt at a first Group victory. Amid all that, he became a father for the first time when his son Louis arrived in May.

“It’s been pretty amazing,” admits an almost sheepish Ghiani as we meet on a crisp Tuesday morning at the Al Bahathri gallop in Newmarket. It is 7am and Ghiani has arrived ten minutes earlier than any of his colleagues to ride a small piece of work for Hugo Palmer, a sign of his hard-working attitude and eagerness to impress.