GERARD BUTLER – trainer of last year’s Scottish Stewards Cup winner Bayeux

What is your best Hamilton Park moment?

Winning the Braveheart Stakes with Compton Bolter back in 2003 stands out as a favourite for two reasons. Firstly, because it was the first Listed race to be staged at Hamilton and, secondly, because Compton Bolter was a grand, old horse to train. For the record, he won 12 of his 84 races, including one Group 3 and seven Listed races.

My other highlight was with Bayeux 12 months ago. We went on to win Grade 3 race at Churchill Downs with him last November but he is now trained in America by Patrick Biancone.

Which race would you most like to win?

The Kentucky Derby – beating the best of the American three-year-olds in their own backyard would be some challenge.

Best horse you’ve been involved with?

Compton Admiral, winner of the Coral-Eclipse back in 1999. Nayyir, who has earned over £570,000 in prize money, would be the second best, with Elusive City third.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your career?

My father, Tony, and John Dunlop, whom I was assistant trainer to for three years.

Which sportsperson do you most admire?

Tony McCoy is just a phenomenal athlete. If jump jockeys were as fashionable as Formula 1 drivers or tennis players, people would talk about ‘AP’ in the same bracket as Michael Schumacher and Roger Federer.

Do you have any pet hates?

Holes in my socks.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Churn Racing Stables in Oxfordshire! There’s always so much to do around the place, we rarely have time to get away.

What do you do to relax?

My eldest son, Nicholas, is seven now and is starting to get interested in playing football and rugby. Watching him kick or throw a ball around for a couple of hours on a Sunday will be as enjoyable as it will be therapeutic.

What is the best thing about your job?

Winning good races, particularly Group 1s. Success in those races, when you’re up against Sir Michael Stoute and Aidan O’Brien, gives me an unbelievable feeling.

And the worst?

Training horses who fail to live up to expectations. Injuries I can deal with, but horses which, for one reason or another, don’t fulfil their potential can be highly frustrating.

If you could change one thing about racing, or the way racing is run, what would it be?

Do away with bookmakers and replace them with a tote monopoly like they have in France. I’m convinced that would enable us cater for the interests of the racing industry so much better.