Where did your interest in horses stem from?

There was always a strong interest in racing at home but never any horses. My first involvement in racing was a summer job with Arthur Moore. I did a bit of pony racing and I later signed on as an apprentice to Jessica Harrington after completing my Leaving Certificate. Mrs Harrington was a great tutor and allowed me the opportunity to spend an extended winter stint riding in England for Kevin Ryan.

Where did you study and how did that help you toward a career in the equine industry?

Having ridden for a year, I changed tracks slightly and began studying equine business in NUI Maynooth. During this four year degree, I took up placements with Forenaghts Stud and Yeomanstown Stud, which opened my eyes to the stud and sales prep businesses. The work in Yeomanstown was tough but it was a great education and from there I got accepted on to the 2015 Irish National Stud Breeding Course. Many of those I have previously worked and studied alongside in the thoroughbred sector have become very close friends of mine and are only too happy to lend a hand or offer a piece of advice when I meet them at the sales or the races.

How many people and horses are based at Owning Hill?

There are approximately 100 horses to be exercised here at Owning Hill every day. Everyone here gets along and works very well together which is great as the work gets done with everyone in good form. There are about 30 staff members between riders and ground staff.

Describe the daily routine at Owning Hill

First thing in the morning all the riders check their lots on the board and tack up first lot. Everyone then gives a hand mucking out while first lot are on the walkers before leaving the yard with the horses at around 8:40am.

The riders will ride out about four or five lots every morning and the lads in the yard will keep the walkers busy so that each horse has plenty of walking done before they ride out.

First lot go to the ring as the second lot are on the walker. Joseph meets everyone there to tell them what they are doing. We are very lucky to have a great gallop so the horses daily routine doesn’t vary too much from day to day. In the evening all horses are brushed over, some go on the walker or to the spa which we find is a great tool in treating legs with knocks and bangs – it helps speed up the recovery process. The horses get weighed every week. This helps us to determine a horse’s optimum racing weight and can be used as an indicator of their fitness level.

Describe a typical race day

Jim O’Brien and Tina Evans manage all our travelling to and from the races and everything in between. When the horses get to the races they usually have plenty of time to have a drink and settle in. They all get a good walk before saddling and then they are ready to run. After the race they have a nice wash and a good walk off before being loaded up and going home hopefully after running well.