Michael Hills: 'We really thought he'd win the Derby - it was a lot of pressure'
The former jockey, 58, on great racedays, his colourful passion and John Wayne
What has been your biggest challenge of the last 12 months?
Not being able to see my family or meet up with old pals at the races.
What are you most looking forward to at the moment?
Getting back to normality and going to the races again. I've been racing once in the past year and it wasn't any fun because you couldn't talk to anyone. Having racegoers back is huge; as a jockey the crowds really give you an adrenaline rush. The best place was Chester, where the people are on both sides of you and the roar was tremendous when you came around the bend and hit the front on a favourite. It was such a buzz.
What was your big break?
Winning the Dewhurst on Huntingdale in 1985 while still an apprentice for Jeremy Hindley. I'd just ridden out my claim and winning a Group 1 at that time projected me to a higher level.
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Copy- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard
- 'There are tens of thousands of pounds at stake when we run these horses - which is why I'm riding them'
- 'I've never paid six figures for a horse and never will - I learned pretty quickly you're only one phone call away from f*** all'
- 'I’ve trained some fabulous horses, worked with some excellent riders - maybe I have brought a little bit of talent to the table as well'
- ‘When you’re in the moment and you’re starved, you’re ready to explode - everything built up and I just lost my s**t’
- 'He must have his breakfast earlier than Willie does' - Patrick Mullins goes behind enemy lines at Gordon Elliott's yard
- 'There are tens of thousands of pounds at stake when we run these horses - which is why I'm riding them'