PHILIP Ghazala is a busy man. As well as being the business brains behind the Verm-X health care range, he is also a TV presenter, host and event commentator.

In the run up to a county show, Philip keeps himself up to date with which riders and horses are on form and who has been winning the major championships in the showing arena.

"Apart from that there isn't a lot of other preparation you can do because until a class actually starts you will not know which competitors will be there so a lot of quick revising and thinking is necessary," he said.

"I travel up to Harrogate from my farm in Somerset the day before the show starts and call in to the organisers' office during the afternoon to pick up a catalogue. As one of the commentators in the White Rose ring I then go along for a sound check and to any show briefings that are relevant to me.

"When I feel everything is in place and I have done everything I can, I then go to the hotel and start to take a closer look at the catalogue to see which classes are running in the White Rose arena.

"It is then the nerves start to set in as you realise you have everything from in-hand shires, working hunters, driving classes and the commentators nightmare the Mountain and Moorland classes - a nightmare due to the wonderful complicated spelling and pronunciation of their prefixes and names.

"While going through the catalogue I also make a special note of who is judging which class as I will plan to meet each judge at some stage before their particular classes.

"The ring gets underway at 7.30am. I like to be an hour early rather than a minute late so I get to the showground at 6.30am so I can get my books and papers ready and so I feel organised as I hate feeling rushed. Breakfast starts at 7am so a quick egg and bacon and back to the ring at 7.20am.The Great Yorkshire offers the very best facilities for all those involved and the catering is great - unfortunately there is not always time to take full advantage of it.

"The days will differ depending on the weather, the numbers in the classes, the judges and stewards which all ensure there is never a dull moment.

"Another factor is clothing. All stewards and workers at these shows will recognise the need to have nearly your whole wardrobe with you as one needs to be ready for all weather types and a change at a moment's notice - so several coats of different weights, smart shoes, galoshes and my Le Chameaux.

"The job is always much easier and more pleasant when the sun is shining but last summer was a real wash out so you always have to be prepared.

"Timekeeping is also important and although this is left to the stewards, and at Harrogate they have a slick and experienced team for the horses led by Linda Brudenell and Peter Higginson running the White Rose ring. As a commentator you also have to keep one eye on the clock especially if you want to interview the winners and judges after a class.

"During any typical day you may have to cope with an odd loose horse in the ring or an incident which can look much worse than it is - and I always feel it is down to the commentator to keep everyone calm and get the show back on the road as quickly as possible.

"I think any commentator should have the aim of bringing the ring to life and to providing useful and interesting information for the spectators.

"Before each class I have a quick catch up with the judges and ask them if they are willing to have a chat at the beginning or the end of the competition or if time both. I think it enhances any class if a judge is willing to tell the paying audience what they are looking for' and after why they particularly like the winner.

"Nowadays more judges are open minded and are more accessible. I always like to introduce the judges and the stewards; they work very hard and deserve a lot of recognition.

"At the end of the class, if time allows and the winner is happy to, I would interview them and ask them a few questions which again adds flavour to the day.

"While the riders are in the line up I have a quick word with those at the top end to make sure they are willing to be interviewed and this then avoids any situation where the riders clam up and there is an awkward silence - which can happen.

"Once the show gets underway at 7.30am there is no stopping really, a quick sandwich at lunch for ten minutes is the only break but the days which can be up to 12 hours long go very quickly and I wouldn't want it any other way. Red Bull plays its part, especially on day three".

What makes a good commentator? "Being accurate with the information you deliver, knowing when to keep quiet and how to judge the audience are all crucial to success. Also a piece of advice I was given many years ago- "never start a sentence unless you know how you are going to end it".

What is your favourite event to commentate at? "The Great Yorkshire Show really stands out for me on the county circuit. The show is fabulous and very traditional at the same time. I am looking forward to working at the show in July; this will be the fifth year there".

Do you have any embarrassing stories to tell? "Many over the years - but I think it is always embarrassing when the information any commentator gives is wrong. Getting people's names wrong is always frustrating but inevitable at some stage - it is important where possible to calmly correct oneself if possible".

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into commentating? "As a teenager I announced and commentated at local hunter trials and shows, which is a great way to start. I would say to anyone just to have a go and get some feedback. If you have a natural talent you soon get a reputation in the area. The commentator is the voice of the event and no matter what is happening at the show always keep your coll. At some shows there could be organisers squabbling in the background and you just keep going portraying a calm and slick operation".

Do you have one memory that stands out from your years at the Great Yorkshire Show? "A couple of years ago we finished in the ring at about 9.45pm - I was pretty tired after a 15-hour day so when I arrived at the exit gate to find it locked with three security guards telling about 30 people they could not get out without walking half a mile to another gate, I did not find it that funny.

The gate is about 8ft high - so I pushed my brief case under the gate and climbed over - as I walked away I looked back to see that the whole group of locked in visitors following me over the top with three bemused security guards not knowing what to do - I still laugh about this now".

Philip lives on his farm close to Exmoor in Somerset. He said: "I am fortunate to have grown up within the equestrian world and my businesses are involved in this environment as well. I am also passionate about the countryside and all the ways of life that the countryside offers, so working at shows like the Great Yorkshire is a work of love - my work gets me close to some of the best horses in the world - what a privilege".

Hear Phillip commentating at the Great Yorkshire Show 8-10 July.