What is the atmosphere in the yard like in the week leading up to the Festival?

At Cheltenham time, there is a great buzz in the yard especially if you look after something that is going to run. We’re very fortunate to have lots of horses at that level which makes it all the more exciting! It’s probably the best time of the year really because they can all be winners at that point. But obviously it’s quite tense as well, making sure everything goes to plan in the build up. Mostly though, it’s just a great feeling to be part of such a good team.

Which of the four days of the meeting is your favourite?

Tuesday and Friday for me. I was lucky as I grew up in Cheltenham and they’re the days I usually managed to go when I was growing up. Being the first and last days, the atmosphere is also incredible.

I love the way you’re full of hope (or confidence!) at the beginning of the week, and the roar at the start of the Supreme is something else. And then Friday is Gold Cup day, which to me is really what racing is all about.

If you could own one horse running at this year’s Festival, who would it be and why?

It’s hard to pick just one. I really say this with no bias, but it would have to be either Altior or Buveur D’Air! To be going there with those two horses who have achieved so much, it’d be an incredible story if they could bounce back. But let’s just hope everyone gets there safe and sound at this stage and that we see the proper racing we want to.

Tell us about your favourite Festival experience.

Once again, it’s so hard to pick just one! Seeing Kauto Star winning his second Gold Cup was one of my all time favourite races.

Standing at the last fence watching Un De Sceaux fly over it and win the Arkle was pretty awesome too.

But I guess what topped it all for me was leading up Angels Breath in the Supreme. He was my one and only Festival lead-up so far and it was pretty special to lead one up at ‘home’. The Supreme is one of my favourite races too!

If you could make one change to the Festival, what would it be?

Personally, I would love a two-and-a half mile championship race over hurdles. It would be great to see the horses who are really at their optimum over that trip get their chance. They have a novice hurdle, a novice chase and the Ryanair over the same trip so why not?

Compiled by Brian O’Keeffe