Speed set for a hefty hike

The A-listers will be out in force this weekend with Galopin Des Champs, Fastorslow, State Man, Lossiemouth and Ballyburn in action at Punchestown, while six-time Group 1 winner Auguste Rodin will make his final appearance on the big stage in the Japan Cup on Sunday.

Grey Dawning could be embarking on a Cheltenham Gold Cup campaign when he makes his seasonal debut in the Grade 1 Betfair Chase tomorrow at Haydock. The striking grey harbours plenty of potential for the Skelton team and takes on eight high-class rivals in Merseyside’s feature.

I grew up in Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary and dad was training, so we always had ponies around the home. My mother got me riding first, I started riding small ponies just to get me going over a few jumps. I'd say I was on a horse since I could stand. Then I progressed to a bit of pony club. I remember late evenings doing show jumping competitions after school and really enjoyed it from the start. Then as I got a bit older, I started doing a bit of Tetrathlon - running, riding and swimming - and I went to England on the Irish team for that. I loved it and did loads of it. After that, I started getting into the eventing a good bit. My mother was quite a good eventer when she was younger. I got a nice pony that my sister was meant to ride as I had a pony that got injured. I went to the Pony Europeans (Championships) and everything with him and did loads of internationals with him. It was massive experience and I think eventing is very good for your eye when it comes to jumping. It was a massive help to have done that.