'There were times when I definitely thought TV work would have been easier'

It might seem like a stupid question, especially in the midst of a season that has already celebrated ten wins at stakes level as well as high-profile victories at Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and York's Ebor festival, but I thought it was worth asking nonetheless.

"I actually did think about it, and I thought I might be good at it," he replies after an inquiry was made into whether he ever contemplated going down the punditry route and focusing on talking about thoroughbreds rather than training them.

This, after all, is the one and only Johnny Murtagh and this guy has most certainly got the gift of the gab.