I RODE my first winner, Boherna Lady, at Kilbeggan last Friday week. As I am a relative latecomer to racing it feels like I have been playing catch-up for most of my short career and having achieved this initial success, it finally feels like I have a chance of making it as a jockey.

Growing up in Swords, Co Dublin, I never had any exposure to horses or racing. There was no family interest in the sport and I never even went to Leopardstown or any of the other local meetings. However, from an early age I always loved horses and knew that I wanted to work with them if at all possible.

Despite my interest, I never learned to ride or get a part-time job in a racing yard. I was 17 years old before I was afforded that opportunity. After finishing Transition Year in school, I applied to join RACE and went down to Kildare for a trial. The centre takes in a couple of lads with limited experience each year and I was fortunate enough to be awarded a place. It was a real shot in the dark on my part, as I wasn’t even able to ride a horse!

The teachers in RACE were very good to me and although I was at a disadvantage starting off, thanks to their patience and perseverance, I soon learned how to ride. After a few months I was sent out on placement to Conor O’Dwyer’s, where I was very well looked after.

David Geoghegan, Conor’s head lad, was very good to me - spending hours honing my riding style and imparting advice. He has been a constant help and influence throughout my career and I think myself very fortunate to have crossed his path when I did.

Ben Dalton, who rode out for Conor while I was in the yard, has also been a great friend, while Conor was always on hand to offer advice when I needed it. Without the support of those three in my early days, I may not have made it as a jockey and I will always be thankful for their experience and encouragement.

After spending two years in the yard, David arranged for me to go to Jim Bolger’s, where I continued my education and improved further as a rider. I found my time there a fantastic learning experience and would recommend it to any prospective young jockey starting out. I worked in the colt’s side of the training facilities while at Coolcullen and although I didn’t have any direct contact with them, I saw the likes of Dawn Approach and Trading Leather every day.

ON THE MOVE

After a year at Jim Bolger’s, I was on the move again, this time down to Denis Hogan in Tipperary; Garrett Cotter, who rode out in Conor O’Dwyer’s, kindly organised the job. I started with Denis two years ago this month, so in a way, it was very appropriate that I rode that winner last week. At the time I didn’t even have a conditional jockey’s licence, so I have come quite a way in the time I have been in the yard.

Denis has been great to me and has given me every opportunity to prove that I could make it as a jockey. I had my first ride on the track only a few months after joining the team and since then I have ridden in over 50 races. Having little or no jumping experience, I was very green when I arrived in Tipperary but Denis, John O’Meara and Brian Cawley have been wonderful teachers. It is a real team effort in the yard and everyone does their part to help out and bring the next fellow along.

Prior to Friday’s success, I had been placed on a number of occasions, including the previous afternoon at Clonmel. While I was confident that my first win was close, it was great to get it out of the way and I feel like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I suppose I am my own worst critic and felt I had something to prove - to myself if no one else. Having done that, I can now move on and concentrate on my career.

I have no real plans in the short-term, just take every day as it comes and hopefully ride a couple of more winners. As with every young jockey, I hope to stay injury free and maybe one day ride at the big meetings such as Cheltenham or Aintree.

Kevin Darcy was in conversation with John O’Riordan