FOLLOWING the exploits of my younger brothers Paddy and Jack over the last few seasons, it was my turn to make the headlines at Killarney last week. I sent out Touch Of Gold to win a handicap hurdle; my first as a licensed trainer under rules.

I grew up in Dingle – a scenic part of the country that wouldn’t be known for producing too many thoroughbreds. However, it has become synonymous with pony racing, hosting a huge meeting there every August. It is regarded as a major training ground for jockeys of the future, with many of the leading modern day riders having competed at Dingle. As a youngster I would have attended the races with my family, similar to any lad my age.

As a teenager I began to train a few ponies, many of which were ridden to success by my brother Paddy. In later times, when I had already left home, my youngest sibling Jack was champion jockey in the south. He has gone on to great success since switching to racing under rules.

O’SULLIVAN

My own career in racing began with Eugene O’Sullivan in Co Cork. I spent a good few years in the yard, working my way up to become head lad. It was a great experience as I learned how to bring horses along from stores to point-to-points. Plenty of decent horses passed through the stable during my time – winning their points then being sold on after. It is an aspect of the game that I am particularly interested in and I plan to buy a couple of stores myself each year.

In March of 2015 I left Eugene (O’Sullivan) in order to set up on my own as a trainer. I decided I’d go and get the licence although I didn’t actually have any horses at the time. I had been promised a few but still had to hope those clients would follow through. Touch Of Gold was kindly recommended to me by George Murphy, son of trainer John, who is based across the road from my yard. I had been looking for a nice type to go hurdling, so he suggested I take a chance on her. His advice proved to be well founded as she has turned out to be a great addition to the string.

KILLARNEY WIN

Touch Of Gold had a few promising runs for us last season but has really come to herself since returning to the track in May. Following a nice run in fourth place in a competitive handicap hurdle at Clonmel, she had been placed twice (including neck second at Gowran Park) before her win in Killarney.

As a Kerryman, I always had Killarney in the back of my mind, particularly as a couple of the owners are from Dingle. It would be regarded as our local track, so it was always going to be extra sweet if we could get a win down there. We were quietly confident going into the race as I felt she had every chance once the rain stayed away. The fact that Paddy (Kennedy) was able to ride Touch Of Gold made the day all the better, as we had enjoyed so many winners together in pony racing.

As the filly was raised 6Ibs for that win she now has a chance of getting into a handicap hurdle on the opening night of Galway. In the longer term, I also plan to bring her back to the flat as she may have some improvement in her.

My yard in Innishannon is owned by Conor and Eileen Murphy, who have been wonderful landlords. Conor is a brother of bloodstock agent Aiden (Murphy) and has been very helpful to be from day one and continues to do so. The facilities here are second to none and are used by a lot of local trainers. Aside from the wonderful gallops, we have hurdles and fences as well as turn out paddocks. The latter are particularly important to me as I like to have horses out in the fresh air as much as possible.

I rarely need to take the horses away from the yard but when I do go to schooling races, Paddy and Jack are invaluable to me. Their feedback after races is a huge benefit as I know they have seen it all before. At the moment I only have three horses for the track but am hoping to build on that in the coming months. I also have six point-to-point horses which will hopefully do well over the winter months. With boxes for 40 horses, we have plenty of room and are open for business. The win of Touch Of Gold last week will hopefully raise my profile and help me get some new owners.

Michael Kennedy was in conversation with John O’Riordan