'Not returning phone calls is my worst habit'

What advice would you give your ten-year-old self?
Stay in school and get off that pony! But I guess that hasn’t worked out too badly. Also, don’t be afraid to enjoy the good days, because there will be plenty of bad ones to go alongside them.

If you could play any other sport professionally, which would it be and why?
Golf. I’ve only taken it up in the last year, but I’ve fallen in love with it. A lot of the jockeys play and it’s a great way to unwind, but you can also play with ‘normal’ folk if you will, get away from talking horses all the time. I also like the idea of the lifestyle, it’d take me quite a while riding to get the $10million Rory McIlroy won playing last weekend.

What do you think racing does best?
The way we produce champions – horses, jockeys, the lot – especially in Ireland.