WINNING any graded race is special but doing so on a horse trained by your dad adds just that bit extra. In that respect, the success of Kaiser Black at Naas earlier this month has to go down as one of the highlights of my career as a jockey. We had always held that horse in high regard, so to see him fulfill that promise on the racecourse was a proud day for all the family.

A few days after the race, I was back in the US where I am now based.

I moved stateside full-time just over four years ago, having previously rode in Britain. Coming from a racing background, I started off at home in Tipperary, riding ponies, hunters and thoroughbreds. I spent three seasons pony racing; being crowned leading rider at Dingle in my final year. I had done a few weeks with both Ted Walsh and Noel Meade in my early teens and spent six weeks with Jamie Osborne when I was 15. Soon after that, I progressed to riding in point-to-points and bumpers for my dad. Indeed, I actually rode a winner on the track (Corrieann at Wexford in August 2005) before gaining my first win between the flags. In all, I worked with Dad for two years, before moving to Britain to ride as an Amateur for Alan King in 2007. Initially, I only intended to stay a season to gain experience but my weight was good and I ended up turning conditional.

SUCCESS

During my time in the UK, I rode plenty of nice horses and enjoyed success in a number of big staying handicaps. Wins in the Midlands National, Summer National and various other listed races were the highlights, although Grade 1 success eluded me. By the end of 2014, I was beginning to struggle in Britain, as I had lost my claim, split from Emma Lavelle and encountered problems with my weight.

Having discussed options with Dad, he advised me to give the US a go, so I went out for three months at the end of the year. I rode a Grade 1 winner almost immediately and followed that up with a big win at Saratoga. I briefly returned to Britain for a final season, before moving out here full-time at the start of the 2015/16 campaign.

I am based with Elizabeth Voss, who has a big farm in Maryland but also ride out for other trainers. We only have racing at the weekend here; usually on a Saturday, so I have plenty of time to move around and build up contacts.

Ross Geraghty, Sean McDermott and Willie McCarthy are all based locally, so its a real home away from home. Despite the lack of races, there is very good prizemoney and I am almost always guaranteed a nice book of rides. The new season starts this coming weekend [March 23rd/24th] and runs until the end of November.

KAISER BLACK

Fortunately for me, I was at home to ride Kaiser Black at Leopardstown over Christmas and was again available at Naas. In recent years, I have been getting more involved with the training side at home, coming back each winter once the US season finishes.

We have always thought a great deal of Kaiser Black and Dad deserves credit for the patience he has shown with the horse. He has taken time to show his true ability; indeed this is the first time we have had a clear run with him. Up until this year he has always suffered from a niggle or two but maybe he just needed to mature.

He is a different horse now and having an untroubled run with him has certainly helped. The Irish National had originally been the plan but now we are leaning towards the graded novice chase at Fairyhouse that same weekend. I am hoping I can fly over to take the ride – I will race in the US on Saturday but the Fairyhouse race is Sunday/Monday. Having been away for so long, I am keen to grab every opportunity to team up with Dad in these big races.

TRAINING

Since I left Ireland all those years ago, the plan has always been to come back and train one day. As I said, I have been getting more involved at home these past few winters, learning from Dad, in order to take the reins when the time comes.

For now at least, I am hoping to continue race-riding, as long as I can remain injury free. When the time comes, I look forward to taking over the license and following in the family footsteps.

Jack Doyle was in conversation with John O’Riordan