Me & My Money: Bryan Cooper, national hunt jockey

Are you a saver or a spender?
I wouldn't be tight, but I wouldn't spend it on stupid things, either.

Do you shop around for better value?
No. I have my shops that I like going to and I stick to them.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
Definitely my house. It cost enough. It was worth it, though, as I bought it at Christmas and it's already gone up in value.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
A three-year-old by Indian Danehill, which I purchased at the Land Rover sale. He looks to be a lovely looking horse, and he'll go up in value if he wins first time out. He was bought to be sold.

What way do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I prefer to shop local, but I travel to the UK for work – if I was riding in Cheltenham or Aintree, for example – and so I have to buy my flights and car-hire online.

Do you haggle over prices?
No, because I'd end up paying more than the cost price!

Has the recession changed your spending habits?
No, because I was still on pocket money before the recession.

Do you invest in shares?
I didn't take that chance yet, and I'm glad I didn't. From the stories I have heard from other people, I probably never will. It's an uncertain business.

Cash or card?
Card – all my finances are above board.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
My car – an Audi A4. I got a pretty good deal through an owner I have ridden for.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
Yes, my house that I bought before Christmas. It's in Kildare so it couldn't be much farther from my family. The next thing I'd like to buy is some land, and, if I earn enough, I'd like to buy a cottage down in Kerry in the future for visiting my family.

Have you ever lost money?
No. I've played things on the safe side so far.

Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?
No, not since I had €5 on Istabraq when Limestone Lad beat him when I was about 10.

Is money important to you?
It's not the be all and end all, but I'd much rather have it than not.

How much money do you have on you now?
I have about €100. I like to always keep some cash on me for emergencies.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea