John Reid: 'I'd won the Derby but that made my year - it was revenge'

Is it true you had ambitions to become a joiner?
That's the way I was heading. I was quite good and had applied for a job and got it. However, I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to try racing. I went to work in [Ulster trainer] Leslie Crawford's yard over the summer holidays and the plan was to do the six weeks there and then take the job as a joiner after that, but after three weeks I was never leaving. I was hooked and I never did take that job. I stayed at Leslie's for a year and then moved over to Britain.

What was your big break in the sport?
Without doubt riding Ile De Bourbon in 1978, first of all in the King Edward VII at Royal Ascot and then in the King George. He launched me into the big time overnight and I have him to thank for where I got to. Lester Piggott rode him in his first two starts at three but, by the time Royal Ascot came around, Lester ended up riding one for Vincent O'Brien and I got the ride and won.

What are your memories of the King George?
I had a lot of confidence in Ile De Bourbon and it was a hell of a good race. You had to be dreaming to think you'd win but the horse was in top form and he could really motor. I rode him handily, hit the front turning for home and he kept going. It was a big day for me.

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Probably Lester Piggott, because I watched him and learned from him. I couldn't always do what he could, but I tried. I learned a lot from being around him – how he worked and how he operated. If he wanted something he wouldn't bother asking the trainer, he'd just go to the owner. It didn't make me as good as him but it made me a better operator.