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Raring to go for new season as hunt for next superstar begins

The point-to-point champion on the season ahead and the riders to watch

Michael O'Sullivan (near) and A Decent Excuse win the Open Lightweight Race at Castletown Geoghegan
Michael O'Sullivan (near) and A Decent Excuse win the Open Lightweight at Castletown GeogheganCredit: Healy Racing

It's good to be back. As I got into the car to drive to Castletown-Geoghegan on Sunday I felt a real sense of excitement about starting out again. It's a long road from now to Ballingarry and Kinsale at the beginning of next June, and you never know what any season will bring, but it's always a thrill to get back into action.

I kept myself busy and fit by riding in bumpers during the summer. My highlight of the past few months was winning the Amateur Derby at the Curragh on Apparition for Joseph O'Brien. It was always an ambition to win this race, but the big thing for me was that the Curragh was the only Irish racetrack where I had failed to ride a winner. It was great to complete the full set. Thanks to Joseph and the AnnusMirabilis Syndicate for putting me on the right horse to get the job done.

At this stage of the season it's exciting when you think every time you sit on an inexperienced youngster in a maiden could mark the beginning of a great career.

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