During my career I developed a growing interest in sculpture, which only came to fruition by chance. I was riding at Devon and Exeter and received a lift to the races with the trainer. Also in the car was sculptor Margot Dent. We got talking and she encouraged me to start. I then spent many happy days during the summer break at Margot’s and John’s farm in Hampshire learning the basic technique of sculpture. She inspired and enthusiasm that remains to this day. I was sure that as a professional jockey I could portray horse racing in a new and exciting way, lending to my work an authority through my extensive experience.