Would it be fair to say that you grew up surrounded by horses?

It’s all I know. There’s always been a horse outside the back door since I was a young age, on both sides of my family, so I was lucky enough to grow up around them. I had two good ponies when I was younger and did a lot of hunting and show jumping.

I never really got into pony club because once I reached that age, I was around the racehorses more than anything. I sort of fell into riding out a few lots.

When I started secondary school, I took a break from riding out, but when I started again, it was a great way to get out of school, if Dad (Eoin McCarthy, trainer) was ever stuck for riders!

I was never really one for school, so it was great that I was some bit handy around the yard, so when I finished my leaving cert I knew what I wanted to do. It took a lot to get me in the school doors.

Have you always been interested in becoming a racehorse owner?

Not at a young age. I finished my leaving cert two years ago and then I started working for Dad full-time.

Once I got into it, then I wanted my own horse. Dad surprised me with it one day, when he went shopping.

I keep an eye on what he’s buying, and I spotted that my name was down alongside one, so it was a nice surprise to get.

It’s lovely riding out horses every day and getting attached to them. I love taking them racing, plaiting them and leading them up, especially when they win, it’s special.

When you have your own horse that you’re working with every day, and leading them in when they win, it’s extra special.

He’s an absolute pet, I probably have him a bit too spoiled. I’ve had him since he was a breaker. Dad and Gary (Noonan, jockey) broke him in and he’s been all mine since. He’s a lovely horse.

Were you confident going into his last run at Wexford?

We knew he’d run well, you never want to be too confident but we had high hopes. I was delighted that he saw everything happen in front of him and he did it so easy.

Do you get nervous watching him run?

I’d get nervous before anything runs, especially if I have an attachment to them, but that was special.

What was it like for you watching the race?

Myself and Dad were alongside each other. In Wexford, the finish line is up past the stands, so you can’t really see the line and you’re watching it on the screen.

It was neck and neck and he was just a head in front, so we were screaming and jumping with a small few tears here and there. It was lovely.

What’s next for Goose?

I’d imagine he’ll be on the Listowel team for one of the handicaps. Which one, I don’t know, I leave all of that up to Dad. We look forward to Listowel every year and Dad aims a lot of horses for the festival. We were lucky enough to have six winners there last year, which was unbelievable.

It’s our local track, so it’s amazing to lead in a winner there. The crowd is about 10 people deep, roaring and congratulating you. You get goosebumps walking into the winner’s enclosure.

Have you put any thought into owning any more horses?

Not really, but Dad bought a few store horses this year, so we’ll see what way they go. I might ‘kenavel’ him for one! I’m happy enough with Goose for the moment anyway.

Who's Da Goose and Gary Noonan winning the Pat Farrell Memorial Handicap Hurdle at 25/1 from Sekakarma \ Healy Racing

Where did his name come from?

Dad came up with the name. He’s always called me Goose, after the movie Top Gun, which I’ve never understood because Goose dies, but I’m Goose and he’s Maverick. Who’s Da Goose then just fell into place.

Do you ever avail of the owners’ facilities at the races, or are you always busy looking after the horses?

I’d rather be with the horses than have those luxuries. The racecourses have lovely facilities for owners, but I’d rather be with the horse. The people in racing are lovely.

Everyone congratulates you after a winner, so it’s lovely to be back in the stableyard after a winner. The people around you are so important.

Are there any races in particular on your bucket list?

You’d love to be winning the big races everywhere.

I’d love to have a young horse to run at Listowel and maybe win the Lartigue or the Kerry National. I’d love to have a big local winner, but I’d take any winner!