RACHAEL Stewart of Klllashee, Longford, is a director of the Irish Harness Racing Association. She has often graced these pages as the driver of the prolific winner Iron Paddy. As part of the build up to the forthcoming European Trotting Union Apprentice Championships at Dundalk Stadium on Sunday, August 23rd, Rachael caught up with the Irish competitor Eoin Murphy, who spoke about a young life steeped in harness racing.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m 22 years old, from Skibbereen in Cork. Outside of racing, I’m an electrician.

How did you first become involved with harness racing?

Both my father and mother’s side were involved in the sport. I probably first sat behind a horse when I was about 13.

What was your first race?

I drove Silvano Bello at Dunmanway.

Who are the biggest influences on your career?

My father Tadhg and my uncle Donal.

Is there a driver you really admire?

I loved watching Dexter Dunn when he won a VDM at Portmarnock.

Was there a breakthrough moment for you?

I won a high-grade trot with Bibi Dairpet quite early on. We beat some good horses and top drivers. That felt great.

What has been your proudest achievement?

Winning the Prix de Belgium at Argentan in Normandy with Hors Cadre.

How would you describe your driving style?

Passive enough, I suppose. I don’t make big mad moves too early. But it does depend on the horse, some like to go on early.

What do you enjoy most about the sport?

The fun, the craic at the meetings.

Which was your favourite horse?

Silvano Bello. He won 35 races for us.

What’s the biggest challenge as an apprentice?

Getting catch drives. Although I was lucky in Cork that some guys supported me.

What’s the biggest lesson harness racing has taught you?

Nothing is ever guaranteed.

What was your reaction at being selected to represent Ireland?

I was very excited. It’s a big honour to represent your country of course.

Have you a home advantage?

I suppose so. I’ll know all the horses. I’ll have an idea what will stay trotting and what can make a break.

What can you find out about the other drivers?

Not a lot so far. There’s some information about how many lifetime wins they each have. I know the Belgian guy won it last year.

What is the future looking like for Irish harness racing?

It never was better in my short time. The new track at Lyre, the strong prize money for young horses, it’s a good time to be involved.

Persuade someone who has never been harness racing before to come along?

There’s a lot more tactics involved than people think. It’s fast moving, there’s always something happening in a race. There are races every 20 minutes. Come along on the 23rd and cheer for Ireland.

In addition to two or more heats of the European Apprentice Drivers’ Championship, the meeting at Dundalk Stadium on Sunday 23rd will feature a further seven or eight races for qualified drivers across all grades of horses. Come along and watch JR (John Richardson) in action against The Red Baron (Billy Roche) and Jonny ‘Be Good’ Cowden.

See the much-travelled Harry Knows and the only son of Bold Eagle in Ireland, Graal Du Dollar. Can Klauosouo d’Amour take the step up into better company?

Bookmakers will be in attendance. Admission at the stiles as normal with all the usual catering open. Restaurant reservations can be made at Dundalk Racecourse website.

With supporters from 12 countries, this will be a colourful occasion.