Age 25
Marital status Single
Licensed since 1998
Retainer Freelance, but most of my rides are for Bryn Palling
Lives Wales
Drives Audi A3
Agent Simon Dodds
What's your perfect night in and your perfect night out? My perfect night in would have to be in front of the TV with a good DVD. I like films that are full of suspense, where you have to work out the plot. I'd try to get some friends round and order a Chinese. A perfect night out would have to be back in Ireland. There's a great restaurant at home called the Hangman's. I'd go there for dinner with friends.
You've picked up a two-day suspension – what are you going to do to entertain yourself? I'd keep busy. In the morning, I'd ride out as usual, and then I'd head home and catch up with some admin. Free time tends to be spent sorting out the bills – there's always a lot to keep up with.
What's your favourite holiday destination? I've only been to Dubai and Lanzarote. Lanzarote was with mates, Dubai was a working holiday. I had a few rides and four winners. I went with a friend – she liked sunbathing but I ended up walking up and down the beach. I didn't mind the heat but I like to keep active.
Who'd be your ideal three companions for the long drive to Musselburgh? The first person I'd take would have to be the Irish comedian Brendan O'Connell. He'd make sure we had a good craic. I've been thinking of who else I could bring, but I'd probably just take a couple of good mates. It would have to be people who appreciated my taste in music.
What CDs would you keep in the glove compartment for when the conversation dries up? I like dance music, so there'd be a selection of dance CDs. Also something by Pink and maybe UB40.
Who are your biggest heroes – in and out of racing? In racing, I admire John Oxx for his dedication and complete professionalism. Jockeys I admire are Johnny Murtagh – he's a class rider – and Julie Krone. She's a real inspiration to all female jockeys. Outside racing, my biggest heroes are my mum and dad. Anyone who can bring up eight kids deserves respect.
What things excite you – and what do you find a turnoff? Riding winners is obviously the one thing that everyone in racing loves. A massive turn-off has to be sitting in traffic. What a waste of time.
What's the funniest thing that ever happened to you in the course of your work? Funniest or most embarrassing? There'd be a good few of both. One day that stands out in my memory was when I was riding at the Curragh. I was given a leg-up in the paddock (not by the trainer) and was thrown straight over the other side. I ended up sat on the ground wondering what had happened. Everyone found that pretty funny, but I don't remember laughing that much.
If you could change one thing in racing, what would it be? I'd increase the prize-money in Britain. It's something everybody says, but it needs looking into. The facilities for girl jockeys are improving, but they could still be made better at some tracks.
If you hadn't been a jockey, what would you like to have done? At school, I always loved sport, so probably would have tried to do something with that. Maybe I'd have tried acting, but I'm not sure I'd have been any good. I'd no doubt just have ended up working in McDonald's, serving burgers.
Do you ever read the Betfair forum? No. I shouldn't admit this but I don't really know what it is.
What's the daftest question you've ever been asked by a journalist?
Hmmm – see any of the above!
What are the best and worst rides you have ever given a horse? The best was probably Zimbabwe in the Irish Cesarewitch. We held a nice position throughout the race and he came through well to take the lead over a furlong out. That was probably the best win of my career. My worst ride would have been a horse I rode for David Barker at Catterick a few months ago. I dropped my hands and got caught on the line. The horse should have been second but ended up fourth. That was one of the mistakes I've made where I've had to learn the hard way.
What's the biggest regret of your career? I don't believe in having regrets. I've made plenty of mistakes, but I make sure I learn from them. If I regretted all the mistakes I made I wouldn't be where I am today. Although maybe I should now regret agreeing to do this interview . . .