'I cried after my first Cheltenham winner - my friends still tease me about it'

What is your standout memory from winning a second Becher Chase at Aintree aboard Walk In The Mill?
I had no idea beforehand that there had never been a back-to-back winner of the race. It’s really difficult to win over those fences so for him to come back and do it again was a tremendous feat. It is testament to Walk In The Mill’s fantastic attitude and Rob Walford’s training. My lasting memory is probably once I was safely over the last. I reached the Elbow and thought he was going to do it. Last year I went mad crossing the line and did the windmill, so I thought I had better do that celebration again!

Where does Walk In The Mill rank among the best horses you have ever ridden?
He would have to be the best and I wouldn’t mind finding a few more like him. Not only has he just won a second Becher Chase, but he was also fourth in the Grand National. I think that’s the only race in which you can finish fourth and still feel like you’ve won. He’s the sort of horse I dreamed of riding and I unsurprisingly have a real soft spot for him. I’m lucky to have ridden some other lovely horses too, such as Pilgrims Bay, who gave me one of my best days when landing the 2017 Grade 3 BetBright Handicap Chase at Kempton.

What are your reflections on last year’s Grand National and can he go even better this year?
We were all delighted with him last year as he ran a solid race and seemed to really enjoy himself. We knew the ground was against him so for him to put in such a strong performance was really encouraging. This year we would ideally like softer conditions and if everything runs smoothly before April we would be hopeful of another good run.

Walk In The Mill on his way to becoming the first back-to-back winner of the Becher ChaseCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

You have nearly passed last season’s tally for winners already – has your approach changed this year?
I‘m lucky that I’ve been given some good opportunities on some nice horses this season. I try to ride out for as many different trainers as I can and that seems to be paying off. I couldn’t put the change down to any one thing really, but I’m glad things are going so well and grateful to everyone that gives me rides.

Are there any rides you are really looking forward to over the Christmas period?
I’m still not sure of all the plans over the Christmas period, but it’s an easy answer – all of them. I look forward to every ride I get as you never know what they might lead to.

What advice would you give your ten-year-old self?
Don’t take life so seriously. I used to overthink things a lot and never give myself a break. Tomorrow is a new day.

Would you rather win the Cheltenham Gold Cup or be champion jockey?
I’d rather win the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Who has been the greatest influence on your career?
Philip Hobbs. I was with him for ten years and he gave me some great opportunities that enabled me to build up contacts I still have today. He really helped me build a career for myself and is an absolute gentleman as well.

If you could play any other sport professionally, which would it be and why?
When I was younger I always wanted to become a professional footballer until I became obsessed with racing.

What do you think racing does best?
Racing is a great way to meet all sorts of different people and make lifelong friends. We are also very lucky to have such great support while out injured these days with three rehabilitation centres across the country, enabling us to get back racing as soon as possible. When it’s nearing the end of a jockey’s career too we’re lucky to have JETS to help plan the future.

Other than better prize-money, what is the one thing you would change about racing?
I love racing as much as anyone but I do think we could do with having a longer break in the summer with no jump racing.

What is your earliest racing memory?
Going to my local point-to-point fixture at Great Trethew, organised by the East Cornwall Hunt. Jackie du Plessis, who I still ride for, would often have runners for me to lead up.

What’s your biggest ambition in racing?
To be as successful as I can be and keep improving all the time.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?
I cried in the interview with Alice Plunkett after riding my first winner at Cheltenham – I was an emotional mess. I couldn’t believe I had won there and didn’t know what to do with myself. My friends still wind me up about it now.

How do you relax away from racing?
With my feet up in front of the fire with my wife Izzi, my four-month-old baby Oliver and our dog Murphy.

What is the strangest/funniest thing you have seen on a racecourse?
It’s always a laugh in the weighing room when Mattie Batchelor is around – he could do anything to anyone at any moment.

Who do you most admire from the ‘other’ code?
John Gosden is a brilliant trainer and you could just listen to him all day in his post-race interviews. He talks a lot of sense.

Last song you listened to?
Here Comes Santa Claus while decorating our Christmas tree.

What’s your biggest fear?
Failure

Do you have a nickname?
Besty

Social media - friend or foe?
Friend most of the time.

Who would be your four ideal dinner party guests?
Freddie Flintoff, Michael McIntyre, Mila Kunis and Izzi.

Give us one horse to follow for the season ahead
Milkwood. He’s a lovely type who will hopefully keep progressing.

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