My favourite sport: Alan Wood (horse racing)

Former Amlwch Town FC president Alan Wood is an ardent follower of horse racing.

He also owns racehorses and has attended major races all over the world.

When did your interest in horse racing start and what got you interested?

As a kid, probably aged 9 or 10 watching the ITV 7

What is the first great race you can remember?

1973 Grand National. The great Red Rum getting up to beat long-time leader Crisp in the last few yards. Crisp, who was carrying 12 stone, looked to have the race in the bag, but Red Rum, with Brian Fletcher on board and carrying 10 stone 5, grabbed a dramatic win.

We believe you have involvement in a stable/yard…can you tell us about this?

I’ve got horses in Jimmy Moffatt’s stable in Cartmel, Cumbria. A friendly place, he makes you feel welcome and is honest as they come.
Jimmy was a professional jump jockey for 14 years during which time he rode 78 winners, including a Scottish Champion Hurdle.

Who do you rate as the greatest horse ever? If choosing one is too hard, go for a top 5

In my opinion Dancing Brave is No 1. Cost me a fortune coming second to Shahrastani in the 1986 Epsom Derby.
He ran ten times and won eight races. and was the outstanding European racehorse of 1986 when he won the 2000 Guineas, the Eclipse Stakes, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Also Ekbalco – hurdler class act; Dessie (Desert Orchid) – enough said and Chaplins Club – great sprinter who won owners loads so a owner’s horse.

Who is your all-time favourite jockey?

Lester Piggott is ultimately the best ever. He is the Muhammad Ali of horse racing.

What do you prefer – jumps or flat?

I own jumpers because I can’t afford flat runners. No difference.

What is the most money you have ever won on a horse?

15k one bet (according to the wife £300)

What is your favourite racecourse?

Cartmel

Do you have an all-time favourite race?

Besides my own horses winning, Dessie beating Yahoo at the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup. I backed Dessie, my dad backed Yahoo. My old man’s first time at Cheltenham and great memories. PS – he backed Yahoo (2nd at 25-1) and I backed Dessie (1st at 5/2 favourite).

Your dream race under any distance or rules….who would you put in the field?

Phar Lap, Man o’ War, Arkle, others I’ve named above….but every year brings a good horse. I’ll give you a tip – follow the ladies. Hollie Doyle on the flat and Charlotte Jones over sticks. One’s already established, the other up and coming.

Best ever day at the races

My stag do at Chester – me 6ft plus in stockings and a dress with John Bunnies, Barry Clutton and brothers and Amlwch lads on a day out enjoying the gambling.

Dream race from history you wish you’d seen

The 1954 Epsom Derby where a 33/1 shot ridden by a young Lester Piggott called Never Say Die was first home.
Lester was 18 and it was the first of 9 Derby wins for the great man.