Ten quickfire questions: Aidan Coleman on the horses who made his season

What are your reflections on the season?
The quality was up which is very good. I was on track for a century, which was always the goal. I'm happy. It's just a shame the season was shortened and I didn't get a chance to get to 100 winners.

Which success meant the most to you?
Any winner at the festival is amazing so Put The Kettle On's victory in the Arkle stands out. It looked like a competitive race on paper and she won with plenty of authority. She can hopefully improve again next year and prove how good she is out of novice company.

What was your biggest disappointment?
It would have to be Paisley Park in the Stayers' Hurdle. He had a genuine excuse as he was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. He actually ran well to finish seventh all things considered. He's fine now and hopefully it was a one off. He's still very exciting. It was a shame that happened on the day but it's nice to have a reason.

Paisley Park: finished seventh in the Stayers' HurdleCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Which horse did you most enjoy riding?
It's hard to split Put The Kettle On and Paisley Park. However, Paisley Park has such a following now. He's become a people's horse and it's very special to be able to ride him. To be fair, he had some big wins this season in the Long Distance Hurdle and the Cleeve. It wasn't a bad season at all. There's always extra hype when you ride him.

What was the race of the season?
It would have to be the Gold Cup. There was such a short distance between the first three home and several runners were in contention coming towards the second last. It must have been a thrilling race to watch as a fan and there was so much quality in the field.

Who was the horse of the season?
Epatante. The Champion Hurdle looked open, even after she won the Christmas Hurdle, but she was a very good winner. She looks like she will set the standard for the race next year. I was lucky enough to ride her in a handicap at Newbury at the start of the season.

Epatante: a general 4-1 chance to defend her Champion Hurdle crown in 2021Credit: Edward Whitaker

Which horse are you most looking forward to riding again?
It would have to be Paisley Park again. I said to Emma Lavelle the week before Cheltenham that he felt better than ever and he just improved all year. He didn't win at Cheltenham but I keep telling people to keep the faith. Put The Kettle On should be very exciting next season as well.

And if you could ride one you don't normally?
Shishkin. I thought he did extremely well to win the Supreme. Nothing went right for him, he would have been an unlucky loser. It goes to show how good he is that he still managed to win.

Who is your dark horse to follow?
Ocean Wind, who I rode for Roger Teal in the Champion Bumper [sixth]. I think he'll do well on the Flat this summer but selfishly I hope he goes novice hurdling next season over two miles. He's got plenty of speed and ran well at Cheltenham on ground that didn't suit him.

How are you keeping busy during the lockdown?
I have come back to Ireland and have been helping my brother Kevin who has just started training. He's based ten minutes from Joseph O'Brien so I've been going in there to ride out too.

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