'I know how lucky I am. I'm in a very privileged position and not many get the chance I've been given'

We're sipping silky-smooth cappuccinos in the plush, recently renovated owners' room at the hill in Owning, surrounded by framed pictures of Camelot, St Nicholas Abbey, Australia, State Of Rest and his Melbourne Cup winners, Rekindling and Twilight Payment, when I ask how Joseph O'Brien the trainer compares to Joseph O'Brien the jockey of, let's say, ten years ago, the one who rode Chicquita in Treve's second Arc. 

"Well, I'm about five stone heavier, for starters," he bursts out laughing in the manner of a man who seems to think he has developed the physique of John Daly since he stopped riding. A quick glance across the table instantly makes him feel a whole lot better about himself. "I'd actually love to go back and ride in those races again."

Really? Ah, come on, Joseph. I'm not having that. You would not torture yourself all over again. No way.