After a much-needed break in June, where I managed to escape the racing bubble by heading off on holiday to Greece, playing plenty of golf, a bit of cricket, and catching up with friends I rarely get to see during the winter months, it feels like the right time to reflect on last season and its many ups and downs. Without a doubt it was the hardest season I’ve faced in my ten incredible years in this sport. I’m not ashamed to admit that, as I think it’s important to acknowledge the challenges as well as the triumphs.

The season always kicks off on the second Monday in July, our own version of D-Day in Ditcheat. This is when the staff return from their holidays, and the horses come back in from the field. This year we brought in around ninety in a single day, so you can imagine the level of chaos! We then begin the process of getting each horse back into work, starting in the school. Some of them like to buck and play, keeping the young, eager lads on their toes. Disappointingly we only had one buck-off this year! The next few weeks were spent trotting around the roads and gradually building up the horses’ fitness, preparing them for the start of the season in October.

I hope everyone has been enjoying the new racing documentary Champions Full Gallop on ITV. Being part of it was an incredible experience. Having the cameras follow us around all year was great fun, and I even had the chance to walk down a red carpet at the premiere. A cool moment. The camera crew couldn’t have been nicer; they were easy to work with and made the entire experience enjoyable, putting us all at ease. I think they did a brilliant job capturing the drama, excitement and sheer joy that this great sport brings to everyone involved. My only criticism is that I wish they had shown a bit more of the love and care that the horses receive from the amazing stable staff around the country. The behind-the-scenes dedication is truly what makes this sport so special.

We’ll start with the highlights of last year, the biggest of which was, without a doubt, seeing Harry crowned Champion Jockey. He worked incredibly hard to achieve his dream, and he thoroughly deserves the title. Throughout the year, he and I spent countless hours travelling up and down the country to and from races, usually with me driving and Harry catching up on sleep. During these journeys I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Harry really well, and I’d like to think we’ve become close friends. He is a genuinely great person: kind, generous, honest and witty. We’ve had plenty of laughs, often taking the mick out of each other during those long drives. But, all jokes aside, Harry should be immensely proud of what he’s accomplished. He put in a tremendous amount of effort and hard work, and it all paid off in the end.

On the equine side, we had many high points last year. Stage Star gave us yet another amazing day at Cheltenham. Winning the Paddy Power Gold Cup and snatching victory from jaws of defeat when nearly falling at the last fence. One of the most satisfying moments was our Grade 1 victory with Captain Teague, a horse I’ve believed in since the day he arrived in Ditcheat. Pic D’Orhy’s win at Ascot was another standout, once again proving what a top-class horse, he is. We also had a special day at The Festival when Monmiral won the Pertemps Final. He was a surprising winner at 25/1; although having a winner at The Festival is always special, whatever the odds. It’s a feeling that means the world to all of us.

Another highlight was Sans Bruit’s win at Aintree. He jumped out in front, cleared the fences brilliantly, and never looked back. He’s a small horse, who took some time to acclimatize after arriving from France, but he improved every day, thanks in large part to Dave’s exceptional work with him. Dave, who has worked for Paul for nearly 15 years, oversees the second yard at Highbridge and does a fantastic job with both the young horses and the young staff members based there. His dedication and expertise are key to Ditcheat’s success.

Last season was also unfortunately filled with some significant downs. We very sadly lost some really lovely young horses: Complete Unknown, Iceo and Hermes Allen. For those of you who might have read my blog last year I had talked about two horses who were my favourites, Holetown Hero and Knowsley Road. Unfortunately, both lost their lives last year. Holetown in an accident at home and Knowsley on the track at Haydock. I find this part the hardest of the job; my love and passion for horses is the reason why I am in this sport. They are the reason we all get up so early, work such long hours and keep going through the miserable winter days. When you work with the same horses, day in, day out, you inevitably build a strong bond with them. These beautiful animals aren’t just things we train. They become true companions, each with their own unique personality and quirks that you come to know and love. Over time, they trust you, and in return, you rely on them as they become a part of your daily life.

So, when a horse passes away, it leaves a hole that’s hard to fill. It’s not just the loss of a competitor; it’s the loss of a friend. The stable feels different, quieter somehow, and the routine that once brought comfort now carries a sense of emptiness. It’s a tough reality of the sport, and something that never gets easier.

However, by far the hardest thing I faced last year – and in my life – was losing my friend and colleague, Keagan Kirkby. The loss of Keagan has been an incredibly difficult experience, and one that still feels unreal. Keagan wasn’t just a colleague, he was a true friend, someone we could always count on. His energy, warmth, and unwavering dedication were contagious, and he had a way of bringing out the best in everyone around him.

Whether he was passionately recounting his point-to-point rides or sharing his love for Bristol Rovers he had a knack for making every conversation memorable. Working with him was an immense privilege, but what I cherished most was the friendship we built. From playing cricket, where his favourite line after missing a straight shot was, ‘I got a good ball’ to hacking our way around a golf course, to him consistently beating me at pool and darts while proudly calling himself the King of Pub Sports, our time together was filled with laughter and camaraderie. The void he leaves behind is immense, and it’s hard to imagine our days without his presence.

His funeral was incredibly emotional, a day filled with profound sadness but also a sense of wonder at how many lives he touched. The sheer number of people who came to say goodbye is a testament to the man Keagan was. He had an impact on so many, and his loss is deeply felt by everyone at Team Ditcheat, and beyond. I can only imagine the pain his family has endured this past year. The strength and grace they’ve shown, led by his mum Zoe and grandad Dave, is equal testament to the wonderful people they are. I will always carry the memories of our time together, and I miss him deeply, as does everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

On the 27th of October, Racing Welfare is holding a Raceday at Wincanton in Keagan’s honour, and I know how much it would mean to his family and everyone here in Ditcheat if as many people as possible could come and support the day. Additionally, Alfie Shalliker, who lived with Keagan, is riding in the charity race in Keagan’s memory. Your support would mean the world to us all.

Last year was incredibly challenging and, I must admit, it made me reflect on life in a whole new way. Unfortunately, we couldn’t defend our championship this time around, so congratulations to Team Mullins on an amazing year – they fully deserved their success. But rest assured, we will be ready to give them a good fight this season.

I hope you all have a wonderful summer and are gearing up for the upcoming jump season. I look forward to seeing you on the racecourse.

Until next time, take care and enjoy the season ahead!