What drew you to racing and how did you start working at the yard?

I’ve ridden horses since I could walk. A friend of my dad’s had racehorses when I was growing up so I used to bring my 12hh pony up the gallop. I went down to work in Willie’s to get experience for the summer and somehow I’m still here four years later!

Do you have a favourite horse in the yard and why?

The Nice Guy will forever be my favourite horse in Willie’s as he was my first Grade 1 winner. I was lucky enough to look after and ride him out before he picked up an injury. Hopefully he’ll be back next season. As for the horses that in training at the moment, it has to be Meetingsofhewaters, or Larry as he’s called at home. I’ve been lucky enough to ride him since he arrived at Willie’s this season. He’s such a character, a small horse with a big heart for the game.

Tell us about the horses you are leading up at Cheltenham? Are they horses that you look after in the yard?

This year I’m so lucky to have five horses that I look after running at the Festival. Predators Gold, Chapeau De Soleil and Supersundae who’s having his debut run for Willie and the Roaring Water Syndicate. I also look after Joystick and Sounds Victorious who both run in the Champion Bumper, so it’ll be a tough choice on who to lead up! I ride out Supersundae and Sounds Victorious at home every morning so it makes it that little bit more special to see them running at Cheltenham. I will hopefully be leading up Meetingofthewaters as I ride him out at home too.

What parts of the experience do you really enjoy and what are the most challenging parts for you?

I’m lucky enough to say that I love my job but the best part is how rewarding it is, seeing the progression of the horses throughout the season and watching them mature. It’s tough what we do but it’s so worth it. The most challenging part definitely has to be walking out of the barn for first lot when you’re warm and dry and it’s lashing rain outside!

Are you superstitious before a race?

I have a pair of black jeans that I like to think are lucky jeans, but I’m not so sure!

Do you get nervous watching your favourite horses running? How do you handle it?

Of course. I think there’s something wrong if you don’t. We spend so much time with these horses they almost become our children. We’re like proud parents on the sidelines every time they line up at the start of a race, regardless if it’s a maiden hurdle or a Grade 1! It’s nerve-wracking but you just have to hope they run a good race and come home safe.