RIDING that first winner under rules is a special moment for any young jockey but to do so on a horse owned by your mother and trained by your father adds an extra dimension. I was lucky enough to find myself celebrating such a unique family success after Roses Queen won the finale at Fairyhouse earlier this month.

Although my dad Conor (O’Dwyer) was a hugely successful jockey, I was too young to remember any of his riding career. However, I grew up surrounded by photos and trophies at home – a constant reminder of his achievements.

Two Gold Cups (Imperial Call and War Of Attrition) and back-to-back Champion Hurdle wins on Hardy Eustace were the races that took pride of place. My earliest memories date back to when dad first started training.

I started riding at six years of age and was terribly nervous but determined to do it. I loved hunting and hunted with the Kildare Hunt Club and Killinicks Harriers which is where I really got the bug.

Later, I did some inter school show jumping and won on a team for Newbridge College at Hickstead in 2017 and was just beaten as an individual by 0.26 of a second the same year.

However, racing was always what I wanted to do. I rode in a few Pony Club pony races and absolutely loved them but mum was not keen on going the pony race route so I just started to ride out for Dad each morning before school since I was in first year.

Big influence

In preparation for a career as a jockey, I spent a week with Ger Lyons towards the end of last summer. Ruby Walsh also brings me down to ride out in Willie Mullins yard the odd morning and working with those three men has brought me on further.

Of course, my dad has been and continues to be the biggest influence on my career.

I have always been based with him and took out my apprentice licence under his guidance in February of this year. Dad rides out on a busy morning and I learn so much just from watching him. He is a brilliant teacher; very good to offer advice on what position to take and how to settle a horse.

Since I started race-riding, he has been sitting with me, going through re-runs and showing me what I did right and wrong. In that respect, Ricky Doyle, dad’s stable jockey, has also been a great support. He is an experienced jump jockey and has been very good to me.

First winner

Prior to Roses Queen winning, I had been getting closer with every ride. The mare herself had been third on her previous start, while Walking On Glass was beaten the minimum margin [a nose] the week before. Had the latter horse got up and won it would also have been a special win for me, as she is trained by Padraig Roche.

Our families have been close friends for many years – dad rode many winners for Padraig’s father Christy, while Padraig himself actually partnered dad’s first winner as a trainer (Hangover). As with every young apprentice starting out, I think it took me a few spins to fully adapt to race-riding and iron out a few small issues. Once I gained more experience and confidence, I became more balanced in the saddle and was able to ride that bit shorter. It gave me more strength throughout the race and certainly wasn’t as hard on my legs!

Mum couldn’t make it to Fairyhouse but was at home screaming at the TV. I spoke to her straight after the race and she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! All the family were texting and ringing after, as well as my school friends and some people I had never even met.

I was back in school to finish off my Junior Cert the following Monday but now I am out for the summer. I plan to spend more time working with Wayne Middleton in RACE, as he has been a great mentor in my short time as a jockey. Having already decided to skip transition year, I will go into Fifth Year when I resume my education in September.

Then, after completing my Leaving Cert, I will be able to concentrate fully on forging a career as a jockey. I have to give a special mention to my teachers in Newbridge College who have been very accommodating. They appreciate how important racing is for me and have done their best to work with me in that respect.

I love schooling horses at home for dad and one day I hope to follow in his footsteps as a jump jockey. I am lucky I don’t have to worry too much about my weight as I am 7st 8lbs so can do the lightweights. I will stay on the flat until I need to go National Hunt racing, but when that time does come I will be excited about making the switch.

Charlie O’Dwyer was in conversation with John O’Riordan.