I’m at the top of my sport but few outside of racing know who I am ... making fans happy when I win because I’m Scottish is all that matters

RACING

great riders and I don’t see myself in the same league.

“But at the same time you realise that I maybe wouldn’t have these opportunities if I wasn’t proving myself.

“Maybe I’m being too harsh on myself but it’s just how I am.”

Perhaps it’s the rush to employ Tudhope now which best speaks of his qualities.

When trainer Karl Burke needed a pilot for Laurens last weekend the first call was to Tudhope.

He was riding in England during the day. No problem. A helicopter was scrambled to get him to Ireland.

“He did the rest. That’s his value. Yet it’s not all glamour. As well as hours in airports and 60,000 miles a year on the motorways there’s the wasting, the not eating. Missing meals to stay at racing weight.

“Can you imagine what it’s like to wake up and the first thing you need to do before brushing your teeth is lose half a stone? That’s a jockey’s life.

Tudhope said: “If I told people what I go through most days you wouldn’t believe it.

“I wake up some days and have to lose seven pounds.

“When you have to do that every single day you get sick of it.

“But it’s my life. It’s not a glamorous life all the time. It’s not just me.

“Other lads are the same.