SINCE gaining my first win under rules aboard Rule The Sea at Tipperary last month, my career has really taken off.

I followed up with a win at the Curragh the following evening and have since added two further victories to my CV. Although now back in school, where I have just gone into fifth year, I am hoping to get further opportunities during the winter series.

My family have always been involved in racing; owning some nice horses over the years. Dad has always had a couple in training, while my uncle Dan owned Cheltenham winner Dunguib.

I was quite young at the time but can recall him winning the festival bumper, among a host of other races. I was present at Leopardstown and Gowran Park to witness the horse winning in the flesh.

Dad has been friendly with Tom Cooper for a number of years and had horses in his yard. In my early teens, I used to ride out in Tom’s yard on weekends and school holidays. Later, when I was 15, I rode on the southern pony racing circuit for a couple of seasons.

Then, last summer, I went up to Andrew Slattery’s, where I have been based since. I took transition year off school, so was in the yard full-time until the end of this summer.

Great experience

Towards the end of last season, Andrew gave me a few rides on solid handicappers such as An Saighduir and Sharjah. It was a great experience and prepared me for what was to come in 2019.

I also gained valuable insights from riding work in the yard with both Ben Coen and Andrew Slattery.

Cathy Grassick, owner of Rule The Sea, saw me ride in Galway this summer and asked for me to ride her horse. Tracy Collins instructed me to make use of the horse and when no one else was prepared to go on I made most of the running and came home in front.

It was a great buzz to get my first winner, something that I will always remember. I had barely had time to digest it before I was back in the winner’s enclosure 24 hours later.

I had actually rang John Geoghegan looking for a ride last winter but he had already jocked someone up on his horse. He promised me he would use me another time and, to be fair, he was true to his word. John gave me the spin on Massa Lubrense at the Curragh and I was delighted to be able to repay his faith in me.

Last Friday night, Abstraction was my third winner when scoring over five furlongs at Dundalk. He had been a very high-class sprinter in his younger days and still retains ability in these handicaps.

Only last Monday, I rode my fourth winner when Bigger And Better was an easy victor for Tony Martin at Fairyhouse.

Rule The Sea with jockey Paddy Harnett after winning the Tipperaryraces Apprentice Handicap, the jockey's first winner \ Healy Racing

Back to school

I have been back in school since the end of last month [I took a half day to go ride Rule The Sea in Tipperary!], so it’s more difficult now then all summer.

My teachers have been very accommodating and allow me take Fridays off in order to ride work then head to Dundalk. They take an active interest in my progress and some even ask for tips!

My family and uncle Dan have been huge influences on my career, as well as both Tom Cooper and Andrew Slattery. I am based with the latter on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays but also ride out for trainers such as Tom Hogan, Des Donovan and Paul McEnery.

I have two years left in school and intend to stay on and complete my Leaving Certificate. The next couple of seasons are all about building up contacts and gaining as much experience as possible. Hopefully I can ride a couple of more winners before the end of the turf campaign then move onto Dundalk for the winter.

Ben Coen went close in the apprentices’ title race last year and Andrew Slattery is in contention this time round. I’d love to be in a similar position next year or the following one.

Even just to have a chance of being crowned champion apprentice would mean I am riding plenty of winners and as a result gaining valuable experience and contacts.

Paddy Harnett was in conversation with John O’Riordan.