THE subsequent Royal Ascot and Breeders’ Cup successes of 2023 graduate Big Evs has helped M.C. Thoroughbreds gain wider recognition on the global stage in recent months. It has filled us with a real sense of pride to see him do so well for trainer Mick Appleby.

Although both my father and grandfather dealt in horses and ponies, it was not until my teens that I first worked with thoroughbreds. I started out doing weekends and schools holidays with Aidan Kennedy, before going pony racing with James Horgan.