An insight into the life of Aidan O"Brien

Hector Ó hEochagáin is back for a Christmas special of his irreverent and insightful series, Hanging with Hector, with a behind-the-scenes look at the life of world renowned horse trainer Aidan O"Brien. Aidan"s internationally acclaimed training centre, Ballydoyle Stables, has had a remarkable 2008 season with 23 Group 1 victories notched up and during the summer, Hector spent time at the stables with Aidan where he was given unprecedented access to his world. He was there to witness first hand the preparations for one of the most coveted horse-racing titles, the Breeder"s Cup Classic in the US. He joined Aidan on his daily rounds at Ballydoyle: on the gallops, in the stables and for the all-important bowl of porridge in the morning, giving him a unique insight into how Aidan and his team at Ballydoyle work. Even stable jockey Johnny Murtagh showed up to keep an eye on Hector. Golf has the Ryder Cup; horse racing has the Breeders" Cup. This is where the biggest and best from both sides of the Atlantic perform at the end of each season. With over $25 million prize money up for grabs over two days of championship racing, the stakes are high. Hector joins Aidan and crew as they pack up goods and chattles and head to Santa Anita Park in California to take part. He"s given exclusive access to the transatlantic flight with Ireland"s top racehorses and follows the behind-the-scenes build up to the greatest two days racing in the world. This is an insider"s guide to the world of international horse racing with one of the sport"s most successful modern day trainers. Through Hector"s eyes both punters and the general public will get to see what it means to compete at the highest international level in the Sport of Kings. All he needs now is a winner. Hanging with Hector: Aidan O"Brien will be screened on Monday, December 22, on RTE One at 9.35pm