IT was a great honour for my family and colleagues, as well as on a personal level, when I was named the winner of the In The Saddle category at the recent Godolphin Stud & Stable Staff Awards.

Being recognised by one’s peers is always satisfying and I view the award as one that all the staff at Roswell House can take some credit for.

Having worked for Mr. Weld for close on 20 years, I appreciate that it takes a whole team to achieve any worthwhile success.

I first arrived into Rosewell House in 1994, as a young trainee fresh out of RACE. Although I had no experience with horses, my height and weight dictated that I would become a jockey. I spent a summer working at a local steel factory just after my Junior Certificate but other than that my life has revolved around racing.

Following an intensive three months training at the Army Equitation School, I began my career with Mr. Weld. Over the next three years, I would sign on as an apprentice to the trainer and go on to have around half a dozen rides on the track.

In 1997, Mr. Weld arranged for me to go over to Germany to take up a position as an apprentice in a flat yard. Over the following 18 months, I had almost 200 rides and rode a few winners.

Next level

However, without making the necessary breakthrough to the next level, I made the decision to leave Germany and join Kevin Ryan in Britain.

My second ride for Kevin was a winner at Hamilton, so we certainly made a bright start. However, it just never really got going from there, so after a year in the north of England I moved down south to Brian Meehan.

During a two-year-period, I rode in many of the big handicaps but at 25, I had to relinquish my claim, thus having to ride against professionals off level weights. In those days, you lost your right to claim once you turned 26, even if you hadn’t ridden it out on the racecourse.

I spent one further season in Britain before moving to Dubai to work as an exercise rider for Erwan Charpy. He is one of the biggest names in the UAE and was actually champion trainer the season I was there.

In 2002, the wheel turned full circle and I came back to Rosewell House to work as a groom/exercise rider. I am currently employed full-time; covering all the general stable duties, as well as grooming horses, going racing and riding out every morning.

Travel the world

Being involved with one of the leading stables in racing, has afforded me the opportunity to travel the world and enjoy some incredible days.

Tarnawa was a real success story last season and as her groom, I was lucky enough to share in her incredible journey.

Two memorable wins in France were capped off with a Breeders’ Cup success against the Americans. The people of my hometown, Edenderry, all got behind the filly and she became something of a public horse for us all.

Everywhere I went, friends and neighbours asked about her and there was a real buzz around the town. Hopefully there is another chapter yet to be written, as all roads lead to Paris for the Arc this autumn.

On home turf, I led up Chinese White to win the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes (in 2010) at the Curragh and Precious Gem to win blacktype races. It’s very special to be associated with a winner at what for us is our local track.

Aside from the horses, I have been lucky enough to work with two world-class jockeys in my time. Mick Kinane was at Rosewell House for many years, then more recently my great friend Pat Smullen was stable jockey.

The two of us grew up together in Offaly, started school the same day and remained very close down through the years.

There isn’t anything I can say about Pat that hasn’t already been written – a fantastic sportsman and wonderful human being.

Surprised

Tom Daly, Head Lad at Rosewell House, nominated me for the Stable Staff Awards. To be honest, I was surprised to have been put forward and even more surprised to reach the final three in my category.

There are so many hard-working, deserving men and women employed in racing yards and stud farms throughout the country, so to be mentioned in the same breath is an honour in itself. When I was named winner of the In The Saddle Award it genuinely was a huge shock, albeit a nice one.

As someone who has worked in racing all my life, it’s nice to receive that recognition. Godolphin deserves great credit for sponsoring the series as it gives those of us working behind the scenes our 15 minutes of fame.

As in any walk of life, being honoured by your peers means a lot as they appreciate the efforts you put in day after day. Racing is a fantastic industry and I consider myself very fortunate to have forged a career within it.

David was in conversation with John O’Riordan