Q&A: Kate Harrington - ‘Everything is geared towards March 16th and being at Cheltenham to defend the Gold Cup’

Kate Harrington, 27, is assistant trainer to her mother Jessica, who will have a strong team, headed by Gold Cup hero Sizing John, operating over the festive period. Kate is also a prolific winner as a jockey herself

Q: When did the Christmas buzz start to come from racing rather than Santa?

A: I was around 11. I distinctly remember the excitement of Moscow Flyer running against Istabraq in 2000. On Christmas morning we’re up at the crack of dawn with all the horses. There’s always a great atmosphere around the yard. People love coming in to get out of the house for a few hours and avoid peeling the vegetables!