Hills, Michael

Insight into Michael Hills.

If you had to switch careers, what job would you do? F1 driver. What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given? Expect nothing and you will never be disappointed, but instead pleasantly surprised. Which race would you most like to win? The Derby again. 

Who would play you in a film of your life? Richard [my twin]. If there is one thing you could change about your life, what would it be? Not to have to spend so much time in my car travelling to race meetings. The traffic is awful no matter where you go. Who would you really like to meet? Ryan Giggs. 

If you were taking someone racing for the first time, where would you go? Newmarket. Which is the best racecourse? Ascot. Which track could do better? Newmarket. Facilities for the jockeys at the July course are old-fashioned, dark and hot. They could easily be improved. What is your favourite sport outside racing to watch? You can't beat a good game of football. And to play? I'm not bad at darts - ask my friend Tim. 

Which sport won't you watch? Cricket, although my wife Chris loves it. 

Sum yourself up in five words Lover of life and people. What or who really annoys you? Long texts from a friend, with more rabbit than Sainsbury's. She knows who she is; I won't embarrass her more than that. 

What's your favourite programme on TV? Deal or No Deal. 

Apart from racingpost.com, on which websites do you spend most time? templetonstud.com, my former sponsor. 

What was the last film you saw? Snatch is a great film; I never tire of watching it. 

Give us a playlist of your favourite five songs (and artists) Fergie (Glamorous); M People (Moving on Up); Take That (Patience) and anything by Ronan Keating, as he's a friend of mine. 

Give us a horse to keep an eye on Shropshire. 

A trainer to watch out for John Ryan. 

And a jockey Patrick Hills. What was the best day of your racing life? A split between winning the Derby on Shaamit and the fifth consecutive Jockey Club Cup on Further Flight. Who's your favourite horse ever? Further Flight. 

You're forced to have a tattoo, what does it say? I hate tattoos. You should only brand cattle. 

What would be your specialist subject on Mastermind? Pass. Where would you recommend as a holiday destination, and why? The Caribbean, for obvious reasons. 

Best/worst subjects at school? Didn't have a best; I detested school. 

You're invited to a fancy dress party -what will you go as? A sheikh. 

You hear an intruder in the house while you're in bed, what's the first thing you do? Wake the wife. Which teams do you support? England. What would you do with the England football team? Pay on win-only results; get the passion back. What's your favourite restaurant or pub for a night out? The Green Man at Six Mile Bottom for a great steak, and The Marquis of Granby in Stetchworth for darts. What's your favourite food and drink? My wife's spaghetti bolognese and dry(ish) white wine. 

Apart from prize-money, what's the first thing you would change if you took over racing? Cut out the rubbish and get racecourses and bookmakers to put more money back into the sport. Nicest moments on a racecourse? When you pull up after a big success, it's just you and the horse and I always thank him or her for the huge effort they gave me to win - before anyone joins in the celebrations. What gives you the most pleasure? Watching my family have success - I'm very proud to be a part of it. What is the strangest/funniest thing you have ever seen on a racecourse? Getting asked "Can I have your autograph, Frankie?" and looking up as I'm signing it to see Frankie looking on. 

Tell us something about yourself that only you know If I told you that, then everyone would know. What keeps you awake at night? Not a lot, but I never really sleep until our daughter Samantha gets in from a night out. 

Who'd be your four ideal dinner party guests? Kelly Brook and three really ugly/boring guys, so I stood half a chance! 

And one to be marooned with on a desert island? Better say the wife.