TV presenter

Ex-model Rosie Tapner on skipping school to go hunting, the buzz of charity racing over the catwalk and learning to rein in her excitement

- Madeleine Silver

When I was a model, everything was about what I looked like. What I love now is that I care more about what I say and what I’ve done. I always turn up to work early – I don’t want the last-minute panic – and preparation is key.

You can’t do an interview if you don’t know what you’re interviewing about, whether I’m at a racecourse, Burghley or the Global Champions Tour. There are lots of times you’ll get thrown random interviews with big celebrities, but it’s the horses that you really need to know your stuff about.

I knew that my modelling agency at the time wouldn’t love the idea of me doing the Magnolia Cup [the ladies-only charity race at Glorious Goodwood] in 2018. I’d have to get strong and fit, and as a model you have to be skinny. So I signed the contract with Goodwood before telling them and I absolutely loved it.