Young star leaves for pastures new

He plans to put his degree in Land Management to good use, moving back to Cheshire to farm. He will be based near Bangor racecourse at Morpeth, just 20 miles away from the family home at Daresbury.

Oli studied at Askham Bryan college in York and plans to breed Aberdeen Angus cattle on his 350 acre farm. He has also erected 12 stables, an all-weather gallop and a horse walker so he can take hunter liveries and train pointers.

"I will just ride my horses next season and I'll probably employ a local amateur to help me out," he says.

For a national champion who has ridden 170 winners, his unassuming modesty is a great example to any youngsters starting out today. His talent and well-mannered professionalism will be much missed.

I have been asked to teach at Pony Club camp this summer. The last time I attended camp I was a competition-mad 15 year-old with polished tack and a near perfect straw bed. I spent hours cleaning, sweeping and brushing. Everything was immaculate, so desperate was I to win the camp "hoof", our stable management trophy. At the end of the week the ponies were gleaming, while we looked like grubby scarecrows. Our instructor agreed to drive us into town against camp rules "to buy urgent toiletries" after much pleading.

Not until late in to the Friday evening party did she realise her car boot had been laden with bottles of anything strong and revolting we could grab from the alcoholic aisle of the supermarket with our fake ID. The three lucky boys who attended alongside 70 girls soon knew a whole lot more about the birds and the bees.

Today is the South Durham held near Sedgefield. I won't be there unfortunately. My brother is getting married at the other end of the country and I am bridesmaid – yes, you read correctly! My son, Felix, is a pageboy, which could be interesting although he has been promised a new train in return for good behaviour. Bribery is a such a useful tool.

For a wedding present, I am giving them a share in one of the my capable youngsters. I'm hoping it may work in avoiding future family gatherings/racing clashes if they have an interest to follow. My brother headed off to make his fortune in the City a week before the foot- and-mouth outbreak of 2001. He now earns more in a month than I do in a year so maybe the excitement racehorse ownership brings could replace his obsession for Leeds United.

As we've had firm ground for a number of weeks, now we need to ensure none of the horses get jarred-up while they are still pointing. I take them swimming regularly to Rathmell, near Settle where Gail and Stuart Currie run the pool and therapy centre. It is a big help at this time of year in keeping them sound when they are running regularly.

Since mentioning my Junior Jockeys training course – which will run in the summer holidays – I have quite a bit of interest. If anyone would like more details please email me on [email protected]

It is for first timers and those who have competed in pony races.