Main causes of stress

I suppose the driving is the most stressful part of the job. I drive at least 800 miles a week all around Ireland, going to races in places like Ballinrobe, Downpatrick and Dundalk. That's the hard part. We work long hours too. I might leave the house at seven in the morning and not get home until 11 at night.

It's a busy job. Before Christmas, I heard people worrying about what they would do with themselves but it's always a busy time for us. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, it doesn't stop. But the races have a great social aspect to them.

When I started, people used to compare me with my father [trainer, Ted Walsh]. They would say: "Your Dad did this or that", but now they leave me alone. I've had plenty of success, thank God, but most of the high expectations come from myself, not from others.

Coping with stress

I just don't think about it. It's part and parcel of riding and we all have to do it. In winter time, there's plenty of time to relax because we have Monday and Tuesday off. How do I relax? I don't know, I'm 21 - I just enjoy it.

A stressful job?

Wondering if you will win again is always at the back of your head. You're only as good as your last race. But I think when you start worrying about whether you can do it or not, it's time to give up.

Injuries can be hard to take. I've broken my collar bone, my arm and my leg twice. That's the hardest part, when you are sitting there, watching a horse that you should have been riding, winning a race. The lows are low but the highs are so good. Winning the English Grand National was definitely the best high. I love it. I wouldn't swap it for anything.

In conversation with Alison Healy