TADHG O’Shea has 10 rides at the Japan Derby meeting this weekend. It’s been a whirlwind year for the 42-year-old jockey from Dromahane, Co Cork. Just a few weeks ago he was crowned champion jockey of the United Arab Emirates for the 12th time and he achieved worldwide recognition when steering Laurel River to success in the $12 million Dubai World Cup.

Taking time out from his commitments to speak to The Irish Field, O’Shea reflected on that incredible moment at Meydan. “My late mother Ann was my biggest fan and biggest supporter. She would have been immensely proud,” he said.