SELF confidence is a crucial part of any sportsman or woman’s make-up and it was something I had lacked in the early years of my riding career. I was a late comer to race riding and for long periods, I doubted my ability to make it as a jockey. However, the unwavering support of my family and work colleagues kept me going and last Friday night Geological provided me with my very first winner, when successful at Dundalk.

Coming from a horse-mad family in Ardcath, Co Meath, I was always interested in animals and I learned how to ride when I was just six years old. From there, I moved on to pony club and hunting, before competing in show jumping competitions.

In 2008, I had my first experience of racehorses, when I spent a few weeks with Gavin Cromwell, as part of my work experience placement in fifth year in school. I really enjoyed the brief spell I had with Gavin, where I got to ride out a couple of lots each morning and learn the different jobs that are part of every day life in a busy racing stable.

I went back to school eager to continue my involvement in racing and as my uncle had a horse in training with Garvan Donnelly, I started working at his yard at weekends and holidays. After finishing school in 2009, I went working at Garvan’s full-time, where I rode out each day and did general yard duties. The boss had a lot of jumpers in those days, so there was no real opportunity for me to sign on as an apprentice.

I left after two years and went to work for Thomas O’Neill, another trainer from whom I learned a great deal. I then gave Britain a try, spending a month with Ron Harris in Wales. However, I soon discovered it just wasn’t for me, so I returned home and took a complete break from racing.

ANXIETY

I suffered some bad anxiety issues and just couldn’t ever see myself making it as a jockey. I went back to college and completed a Dog Grooming course, before going to work in my aunt’s business. Throughout that time I still continued to look after my own horses at home and in truth, my love for racing never faded. I think I just needed that time away from the sport to reassess my life and where I was going.

In late 2013, I went back working with Garvan (Donnelly), who had increased his string and now had many more flat horses in training.

Race riding still never entered my head despite the fact I rode work every morning and schooled horses around tracks such as Navan and Dundalk. Towards the end of last season, the boss came to me one afternoon, handed me a brown envelope and said “there’s your homework.” Inside I was surprised to discover, were the forms I needed to apply for my apprentice license.

AT A DISADVANTAGE

However, things were not as simple as I had hoped - I was now over 25 years old, so I could no longer be classed as an apprentice. I had to sign on as a Claiming Professional. I was certainly starting at a disadvantage, as I could claim 10lbs but wasn’t allowed ride in apprentice races against fellow inexperienced jockeys.

With the help of Garvan and jockey coach, Warren O’Connor, I worked very hard and prepared for my first ride on the track. I finished second first time up, on Maritime Law, at Gowran Park in June of this year. Since then, I have had a further five rides for the boss and picked up my first outside ride on Geological on Friday evening.

Fortunately for me, Damian English struggled to find a jockey that could do the light weight on Geological, so he rang the boss and asked if I was free. The horse has been knocking on the door in recent starts, so it was a nice spare to pick up in what was a very competitive sprint.

I just rode to the best of my ability, hoping to do both myself and the horse full justice. In winning the race, I think I probably appreciated it more than most, as I felt I had proven something to myself, as well as justifying the faith of my family and work mates. Without their constant support and loyalty, I may have given up a long time ago and that win was for every one of them as much as for myself.

Having broken through and won my first race, I have a new found confidence and hopefully that can lead me to further success in the coming months. Despite the drawbacks of being a Claiming Professional, I have the distinct advantage of being able to claim off minimum weight and have also proven that I can ride winners.

Michelle Hamilton was in conversation with John O’Riordan