'My heart was pounding and my mouth was dry - I was so nervous'

Even on a day off, there is no time to relax for Adele Mulrennan.

When her presence on ITV Racing is not required during the week – she's just completed Glorious Goodwood and, at the time of my visit, Ascot's Shergar Cup beckons – her focus is on rare family time at the home in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, she shares with husband and Group 1-winning jockey Paul. Much to the joy of their two dogs Daisy and Peggy.

"Daisy's chewed up the cushions on the sofa and her bed so much," says Mulrennan, sending the barking pair on their way so we can start our conversation about a life that has led her to a place where she is now an established presence in the sport's terrestrial television coverage thanks to her paddock expertise.