‘I’ve never felt like this, it’s incredible’

IF I live to be a hundred, I will never experience another week like this. To ride seven winners at Cheltenham is mind-boggling and far beyond my wildest expectations.

Look, when you come to the Festival if you manage one winner that represents success. This is our Olympics and the competition is simply fierce.

When I wake up this morning, I'm sure I will just have to pinch myself. It will dawn on me that I have done something never achieved before. The previous record of five winners at a Festival was massively impressive, but I’ve actually beaten that by two. I'm going to be on the proverbial cloud nine for a very long time.

I am aware my overall total at Cheltenham now stands at 24, just one short of Pat Taaffe’s. Seriously, to be even mentioned in the same breath as that great man is extraordinary.

I can hardly tell you how pleased I was with Kauto Star and to be part of the team which made history is so fulfilling. No horse had ever regained the Gold Cup in 85 runnings and now Kauto, Paul Nicholls, Clive Smith and myself have a record which will be in the record books forever.

Kauto, undoubtedly the best horse I have ever ridden, was never out of a canter at any stage, basically only doing half-speed.

Neptune Collonges was never going fast enough in front to worry me and it is no exaggeration to say I could have taken him any time I so wished.

When Kauto is in that sort of form, he is virtually unbeatable. This was the Kauto I have come to love over the years.

He's now won two Gold Cups, three King Georges and the Tingle Creek twice and you cannot argue with a record like that.

He was far sharper and fresher yesterday and that's down to Paul Nicholls changing his routine. I have never in my life felt like this, it is just incredible. I thought for most of Tuesday it really was going to be one of those weeks.

Kempes blundered at the first, Tatenen fell and Celestial Halo was narrowly beaten in the Champion Hurdle. But then Quevega went and won the last and everything has gone like clockwork since. I won five Grade Ones, that’s awesome, a handicap and a mares’ race.

To ride a winner at the greatest show on earth, and to walk out in one piece, is the most any jockey is entitled to hope for at Cheltenham.

I’m not a clown and am well aware I could easily come back next year, God willing, and fail to ride a winner. That’s why I’m so excited, so thrilled, because I know the enormity of what I have done.

I have never had a few days like it and would think neither has any other jockey. That’s why I want to milk it for all it's worth - I will never be in such a position again.

And there is so much to look forward to and not just with the mighty Kauto. I mean Cooldine and Mikael d'Haguenet are possible superstars waiting in the wings.

Last night, I intended to have a little celebration. I'm a professional, however, and have serious commitments for the weekend at both Naas and Navan. Bring it on!