Graham Scully

CONGRATULATIONS to 22 year-old apprentice jockey, Graham Scully who rode his first winner at Cork last Saturday. On what was only Scully’s second ride, Zero Euro won division one of the Follow Us On Twitter 45-65 Apprentice Handicap.

Scully is from Drumconrath, Co Meath and began riding at the age of eight. He admits that his grandparents had a major influence on his career as his grandfather, Sean Monaghan, has bred sport horses for many years.

However, it was his cousin Tara Daly who taught him how to ride. Daly had a keen interest in showjumping and thought her younger cousin to ride on one of her ponies.

Having picked up the basics, Scully went to ride out for George Kingston, with whom he spent almost four years. “George has been a great supporter and friend and is always there if I need advice,” commented Scully.

Scully now rides for local trainer, Harry Rogers. “Harry and his wife Mary have been very good to me.”

“When I first arrived Harry said to me ‘Put your head down, work hard and you will get the rewards’.

“It was a great feeling riding my first winner for Harry and for the owner Susan Bury who is from Ardee. It was very nice of Susan to put me up after having only one previous ride.”

“I’m looking forward to the winter season in Dundalk, hopefully I can continue to show myself off now and I will get the chance to ride for more trainers. My jockey coach Gordon Power has been a huge help to me so far and hopefully I will continue to improve.”

“I’d just like to thank all the people who have supported me so far - Harry and Mary for all their help and the opportunities they have given me, the jockeys who showed me great support when I came back into the weigh-room after winning my first race and to my girlfriend, Dawn and my son, Noah.”