'Whenever I see a bit of white railing, I get a buzz': The man who makes it all happen at Leopardstown

In the first episode of our Humans of Horse Racing series, we meet the course’s operations manager David Attwood.

The42.ie / YouTube

HORSE RACING IS one of Ireland’s best-loved sports, and we produce some of the finest horses in the world. 

But who are the countless people who dedicate their lives to the industry? 

The42 have teamed up with Betway to bring a brand new series — Humans of Horse Racing — in which we tell the stories of those working behind the scenes to ensure that racing continues to thrive in this country. 

A general view of the stand at Leopardstown Racecourse A packed stand at Leopardstown. Bryan Keane / INPHO Bryan Keane / INPHO / INPHO

Ahead of the 2019 Dublin Racing Festival, which takes place at Leopardstown this weekend, we shadowed the course’s operations manager David Attwood to find out what his role involves and why he is so passionate about his “dream job”. 

You’re very much part of a great community and they look after one another, so it’s very special to be involved in,” the Somerset native says. 

“I like to see when the stands are packed and you hear the roar go up when the horses are going around. For me, that’s the ultimate thrill of it.”

Betway are proud sponsors of The42′s horse racing coverage. For more, visit Betway’s Insider blog

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    Mute Niall Martin
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    Nov 11th 2015, 1:09 PM

    Petit for Coquelin.

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    Mute Mr O'Connor
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    Nov 11th 2015, 12:58 PM

    Pires played with Lauren for 6 years and went unbeaten for a whole season, winning the double on two occasions. He played with Dixon for 2 seasons.

    He also trains with Arsenal on a regular basis, which may explain why he has picked current players rather than players like Ian Wright, with whom he has never played.

    As for Fabregas’ omission, I think Bobby understands the difference between a player who forces his way out of a club and a player who forces his way into a club, which is exactly what Coquelin did after being on the brink of fading into obscurity last season.

    Cazorla’s inclusion is questionable. Apart from that I see little issue with it.

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    Mute Irishoversea
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    Nov 11th 2015, 1:03 PM

    Cole forced his way out.. Also I wouldn’t say Fabergas forced his way anymore than Veria..

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    Mute oriainarama
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    Nov 11th 2015, 1:54 PM

    Pores should have himself in the team, one of the premierships most underrated players

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    Mute John Bradish
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    Nov 11th 2015, 12:44 PM

    Robert est petit biased avec his French amis C+ for effort

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    Mute Garreth Walsh
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    Nov 11th 2015, 4:12 PM

    What about overmars?

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    Mute Colm Crowley
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    Nov 11th 2015, 3:48 PM

    Campbell for Koscielny. Fabregas for Coq Pires for Cazorla.

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    Mute Spoddgy
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    Nov 11th 2015, 12:53 PM

    Needs a few more league and European medals in it!

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    Mute Paul Dunne
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    Nov 11th 2015, 3:33 PM

    Liam brady has to be in

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    Mute Eddie Whelan
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    Nov 11th 2015, 6:01 PM

    Marc overmars

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    Mute Michael
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    Nov 11th 2015, 10:51 PM

    Brady, Wright and Dixon have to be in the team. Strong shout for Overmars and Fabregas. O’Leary surely at least on the bench.

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    Mute Dave Ruby
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    Nov 11th 2015, 10:23 PM

    Freddie ljungberg should surely get a mention!!! a class footballer!!! (man u fan)

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    Mute sean morrisey
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    Nov 11th 2015, 12:49 PM

    Lee Dixon for Lauren

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    Mute Gibson O Driscoll
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    Nov 11th 2015, 7:14 PM

    Wouldn’t mind having some of those name on the team sheet now. Sanchez will become an Arsenal ledge but Wright is one. Not sure if Manu Petite should be missing. Choqulin also learning his trade and becoming the defensive midfielder we’ve lacked for last 6 or 7 years

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    Mute Jim Edwards
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    Nov 11th 2015, 8:47 PM

    No Freddie ?

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    Mute PaulCahill
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    Nov 12th 2015, 2:16 AM

    I would put Lehmann in goals, surely he would have more clean sheets than Seaman

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