For the past two weeks, we've been sharing stories of how some of racing's biggest names fell in love with the sport. Now, it's our turn to tell you about the journey that led us to this passion. Racing has a way of captivating our hearts and minds, and in this article, we'll explore the reasons behind our love for it.

Uncover the Magic of Racing

Pedigrees and the Unexpected

We all know how pedigrees can sometimes lead us astray. We invest a lot of money in what we think is the best, only to end up in unexpected situations. Just like when we put an immediate line through a horse in a catalogue, only to see it win a Grade I. It's these unexpected twists and turns that make racing so fascinating.In my own life, my parents raised me on a conventional path, imagining a career in law would lead to a comfortable and uneventful life. But racing had other plans. Sire and dam started scratching their heads when I became obsessed with cricket at a young age. It was a sport that provided a different kind of excitement and intrigue.

The Allure of Jumps Season

During the jumps season, I fell prey to the allure of those eccentric characters in tweed coats. Who were they? And what was it about these astounding creatures that fascinated them so? The bravery and beauty of the horses drew me in, and I couldn't help but be curious.Gambling became a part of this journey as well. It added an extra layer of excitement, a source of disreputability that was both alluring and dangerous. But it was more than just the money; it was the sense of adventure and the connection to something larger than myself.

The Defining Moment at Cheltenham Festival

Watching the 1986 Cheltenham Festival was a turning point for me. The Gold Cup was a race that didn't have a direct financial impact on me, but the narrative was unforgettable. Dawn Run, the charismatic Irish mare, was under intense scrutiny as she made the transition from hurdler to fences.The race itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Through most of the final stages, it seemed like she was beaten. But then Wayward Lad started to hang in front, and Dawn Run showed incredible determination to pull it out of the fire. That moment when the director cut to the crowd and saw the trilby hat flung into the air was a life-changing one.It was in that fleeting moment that I realized the power of racing to enliven and exalt lives. Thirty-eight years later, that memory still lives with me, and I know that racing will always hold a special place in my heart.