GEOLOGICAL certainly read the script when passing the post in front on his 100th start last Friday night at Dundalk. In doing so, he also credited me with my very first winner as a jockey.

It was a wonderful occasion and something I was very proud to be a part of. I had been pleased with how my season had gone up to that point, so hopefully I can now enjoy a good winter series.

I grew up on Moyglare Stud Farm, where my dad has worked for a number of years. Himself and mam kept broodmares and raced horses, so I was interested from a very young age. Dad breaks the yearling at the stud, looks after the racehorses when they were out of training and drives the lorry.

I hung around with him every opportunity I got and have worked closely alongside dad breaking yearlings for the past two years. Having learned how to ride when I was still in primary school, I started working weekends with John Geoghegan. Later, I moved on to Keith Clarke, where I took out my apprentice’s licence. I was still in school during those years (I completed my Leaving Cert) so my time was confined to weekends/holidays.

Hard work

During my first season riding under rules, I had six rides on the track. Last year, I only had two and found it a struggle. However, since the beginning of this year, I have found that hard work is paying off and prior to last Friday I had 20 rides in 2019. Earlier in the season, I started working for Jack Davison, who I am now apprenticed to.

Clare Cannon gave me my first ride back, while Philip Byrne put me up on Out On Friday in Cork and has kept me on the horse since then. I appreciate the faith that trainers such as these have shown in me.

Damien English had seen me ride, so opted to put me up on Geological at Dundalk last month. Although that race was over five furlongs, the horse ran well enough, so Damien later asked me to come ride work on the horse. I rode him in a piece at Dundalk last Sunday week and afterwards the trainer told me that I would retain the ride on Geological for his 100th start that Friday.

Fighting chance

Despite his odds, I felt Geological had a chance Friday evening, as he had worked well and I was able to take 10lbs off his back. Damien put me under no pressure going out but I was well aware of the significance of the race. There had been plenty of talk on social media about the horse all week, as he is a real favourite whom racing fans have taken to their heart. In the race itself, I made most of the running as nothing else wanted to go on.

Once I changed my hands turning into the straight he quickened up nicely and I knew a long way out that we were going to win. Everyone was congratulating me afterwards and I received loads of texts and messages from family, friends and colleagues. Each and every one was appreciated but it was especially nice to receive a text from Pat Smullen.

Vanessa Maye (left) with Karen Kenny and Nikita Kane \ Healy Racing

At the moment I ride out for Jack Davison in the mornings, before going on to anyone else that needs me. My home in Kildare is just half an hour from the Curragh, so I spread my time between there and Meath. I am available for anyone that wants me to sit up on a horse whenever I am free.

The next few months are all about riding for as many different trainers as possible, building up new contacts along the way. I know that opportunities won’t just present themselves, I have to work hard and find them. I haven’t ruled out the prospect of continuing my career in Britain or further afield if needs be, but right now I am pleased with how everything is going.

Vanessa Maye was in conversation with John O’Riordan