These last few days have made me remember how lucky I am to do this job- but also remember the old maxim ‘Those suffering from Travel Sickness need not apply’.
A couple of the busiest days in our diary have led to great stories, great interviews and the reminder, if needed, why this sport gives millions an enormous buzz.
Take Saturday- colleague Rupert Bell headed to Sandown and was not alone in being seen purring as he watched jump racing’s newest star, Sprinter Sacre, destroy the field in the Tingle Creek Chase. For him then came the pleasure of interviewing jockey Barry Geraghty- a broadcasters delight.
Was I jealous? No way! For me it was Aintree and the amazing 14 year old Hello Bud winning his second Becher Chase in three years over the famous fences after a titanic battle from the final fence. His jockey Sam Twiston-Davies another broadcasters delight had to be stopped talking (he must get his amazing eloquence from the Dam’s side!)
Two days later Rupert and I were to be found a long way apart again. He was in London at a Press Conference ahead of the King George the Sixth at Kempton on Boxing Day. Me? Dublin- Leopardstown to be exact- and the prestigious HRI Awards.
So much to celebrate- father and son AP and JP O’Brien, Davy Russell, Camelot- smiles everywhere, interviews a pleasure and the most cordial of atmospheres.
When the Irish invite you it is rude to say no, and as I left for my hotel to edit my interviews, a senior member of Ireland’s Racing hierarchy approached me and simply said ‘Thank you for coming’. They treat the media so differently out here.
So its been Aintree and Dublin and next stop Cheltenham on Friday(Jack Frost don’t you dare), but is there any other job in the world where you can deal with real people quite like this?
Mike ‘Halo Straight’ Vince