'Tiger Roll is a very good horse but we're looking forward to taking him on'

You will be taking part at the Cheltenham Festival this year. Is it as important a fixture for French trainers and jockeys as it is for those in Britain and Ireland?
Of course, it’s very important to be seen with runners at the big festivals, be that in France or Britain and Ireland. Everybody knows of the Cheltenham Festival and to have a runner going there with a chance is a big deal for any trainer.

JP McManus has bought Easysland. How much of a boost to you is this?
It’s fantastic for both me as a trainer and for the yard. It shows a great deal of confidence in what we do as a team. It’s also quite poignant as I rode my last ever winner as a jockey for him, Demopolis at Auteuil in May 2017.

Easysland will be racing against Tiger Roll in the Cross Country Chase. What do you make of Tiger Roll as an opponent and what chance do you think Easysland has in the race?
Tiger Roll is obviously an extremely good horse that all the British and Irish public love, but we’re looking forward to the challenge of taking him on. Easysland has won six races in a row, he’s still young and he’s progressed with every race. Having already won over the course in December is a huge advantage and I think he has a great chance.