GROWING up on a farm, riding ponies, and with a father involved in racehorse ownership, it was a natural progression for John Duggan to catch the racing bug. His ambition of owning horses good enough to take him to the biggest stages is turning into a reality with Lets Go Champ’s second place in the Aintree Foxhunters.

“He’s part of an ongoing process of acquiring a team of horses, with the aim being running at the bigger festivals,” John tells me, when asked about Lets Go Champ, last year’s purchase from Henry de Bromhead. “Where he is today compared to where he was in January… it’s quite amazing. On New Year’s Eve, he was sent to Fethard and we thought he wouldn’t survive. It’s thanks to Ger Kelly and all the team up there, who do a phenomenal job.