What is your earliest memory of the Cheltenham Festival?

I grew up listening to stories about my father riding a winner there in 1991. My uncle trained it and my grandfather bred and owned it. I think there were only two Irish winners that year so it was kind of a big deal. I used to watch videos of it on YouTube.

What has been your favourite moment at Cheltenham?

The first day at Cheltenham last year obviously, to have a double and being leading rider on the first day is something I couldn’t have ever dreamed of. Especially in my first year as a professional, it was a special day.

What have you learned from your past experiences at Cheltenham that will help you this year?

All experience is vital, it helps when you’ve ridden in a race before. I’ve been lucky enough to ride around Cheltenham quite a bit but it helps to have a horse that will travel and jump for you. It definitely helps to know the track, it’s sharper than it looks on television.

Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub that you like to go to in Cheltenham?

Last year I would have loved to have celebrated on the Friday night but I had to go home and ride at Thurles on Saturday so I haven’t really been out in Cheltenham.

Have you ever had any travel problems getting to and from Cheltenham?

I’ve been lucky enough. I’m always racing back to Birmingham airport on the Friday evening but I haven’t missed a flight yet anyway.

Where do you like to watch the Cheltenham Festival?

The weigh room, when I was riding all four days last year I didn’t leave the weigh room unless I was getting on a horse. I grew up watching Cheltenham at home in my granny’s sitting room and often a lot of the family would be there. We’d all put in a tenner at the start of the day and pick a horse in each race, whoever had the most points at the end of the day won the money, so if I wasn’t riding, that’s where I’d be.

Have you ever been stopped from entering an enclosure at Cheltenham because you didn’t have your badge?

I definitely have been, not so much last year but I can remember going over there with my uncle’s horses and it can be quite strict getting into some places. I think I just snuck on by or talked my way through but it wouldn’t have stopped me trying.

Have you got a favourite song or artist that you listen to that gets you in the zone for a big race?

I like music, I’m into a lot of it. At the moment I’m into country music like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan so I’d listen to some of that.

LASTLY, OUTSIDE YOUR OWN RIDES, IS THERE ONE HORSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET THE LEG UP ON? NOT GALOPIN DES CHAMPS!

Lossiemouth, I rode her in a bit of work one day, she’s different.