ALTHOUGH I only retired from race-riding in 2018, I had a dual role acting as assistant trainer to Donald McCain for six years prior to that. Gradually as the yard went from strength to strength and we found ourselves getting busier, I took the decision to devote my full attention to the latter side of the business. For the past two seasons, I have been working alongside Donald full-time; something that I am really enjoying.

None of my family had any background or interest in racing; it is just something I developed myself. I got a pony as a kid and did a lot of showjumping and hunting. I also competed on the pony racing circuit for a short time and worked weekends for local Galway trainer Matty O’Toole.