CAPTAIN Midnight provided the perfect wedding gift for my new wife, Lisa, when winning twice at Dundalk earlier this month. The horse is owned by my other half, who also races Captain Cullen in her colours. As both have won races for us this season, I can proudly boast to have scored with every horse in my yard!

Growing up my only exposure to horses was the occasional trip to the races. It was not until I left school that the opportunity to work in the industry came about. After finishing my Junior Certificate, I decided to enter the workforce and Barry Kelly offered me a two week trial at his yard. Up to that point I had no hands-on experience whatsoever but during my fortnight at Barry’s I learned how to lead, tack up and ride horses. I was kept on once the initial period had passed and I stayed in the yard for a further two years. During that time I worked away at the usual tasks such as feeding and mucking out, while also going racing and progressing to the point where I was able to ride work.