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

There’s a mixture of nerves and excitement. Everyone is trying to make sure everything is in order and is as it should be before the horses head off but the excitement and anticipation for the week ahead is always great.

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

Day one would have to be my favourite of the week. The feeling you get when the crowd roars at the start of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle is unbelievable. It would make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck every single year.

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

I would love to own Honeysuckle. She has done absolutely nothing wrong. She has a perfect nine out of nine record on the track and I would love to see her over a fence - I think she’d be even better.

Tell us about your favourite Festival experience.

My favourite Cheltenham experience would have to be Gold Cup day last year. I was lucky enough to be leading up Delta Work, and to lead up a horse in a race like that was a great buzz.

You’ll be leading up the unbeaten Zanahiyr in the Triumph Hurdle. How special is he?

He’s an absolute dude to do anything with and the fact that he broke my leg makes him special to me! In my opinion, he could turn out to be absolutely anything. He seems to be improving with every run. It doesn’t matter how the race is run, whether they go a good gallop or a very steady one - he still seems to be able to go and win. ?

Compiled by Brian O’Keeffe