HAVING only signed professional forms last Thursday week, I was thrilled to get my new career off to the best possible start, when winning aboard Ashjan at Tramore the following evening. It was an added bonus to get that win for Liz Doyle, as she has been one of my biggest supporters since I first took out a licence.

My father owned and trained a couple of point-to-point horses and kept a few broodmares, so I was always interested in horses. I started riding out at home when I was very young before progressing to the Kilinick Pony Club.

LICENCE

Then once I reached 17, I applied for my amateur licence. For the first year or so, I mostly rode my father’s horses in their point-to-points although I spent a couple of summers with Jim Bolger as well. It was a real eye-opening experience working for one of the best trainers in the world; one where I learned so much about pace and speed, something that was all new to me.

I also began riding out for Liz Doyle while still in school, something that I have continued to the present day. After I completed my Leaving Certificate, I went working for Liz (Doyle) full-time.

Last season, I rode on the track in bumpers for the stable and gained my first win on just my second ever ride under rules. I went into Denis Hickey’s in the afternoons and he provided me with my first three point-to-point wins last season. Both Liz (Doyle) and Denis (Hickey) have been very good to me and I can’t thank them enough for the faith they have shown in me despite my young age.

I had very few opportunities in 2016 as I was still in school but things really got going once I went full-time. Last season I was joint novice champion point-to-point rider, an accolade that really helped get my career off the ground. I was getting a lot more rides which in turn resulted in more winners and suddenly I was a rider that trainers would look to if they fancied their horses.

I only remained an amateur for one full season, riding two winners for Liz and one for Con O’Keeffe. It was always in my head to turn professional at some stage, so having spoken with Liz and my family, I took the decision to switch ranks sooner rather than later. I have started riding out for Paul Nolan as well recently so hopefully that association will lead to plenty of winning rides over the coming years.

I can do a very light weight, so the fact I can now ride in five-six races instead of just a bumper or hunter chase, was one of the deciding factors. I had previously ridden in 20-odd races open to amateurs and professionals so already knew that it was a completely different world taking on the senior riders.

CONFIDENCE

Ashjan was just my sixth ride in the paid ranks when getting me off the mark at Tramore. I had finished in mid-division in a couple of those earlier races so my confidence was high and I knew it was just a matter of time before I got that initial winner.

On the day itself, the horse did everything right, travelling nicely in midfield before finding plenty when I asked him for an effort at the last. He stayed on strongly to repel the challenge of Biddy The Boss, with two and a half lengths back to the third horse. Gaining that first win as a professional will hopefully open more doors for me, as trainers can see that I have what it takes to compete at that level.

As a 19-year-old, with only a couple of years experience behind me, I know it was a brave move turning professional. However, I have never had a moment’s doubt that it was the correct decision for me and events in recent weeks have only confirmed that.

My main aim for the current season is to build up as many contacts as possible and ride work for any trainers that want me. My agent, Ken Whelan, has done a tremendous job to date and I am fortunate to be able to call on his services.

For the next few months, I just want to put my head down, work hard and ride as many winners as possible. it is only by winning races and keeping your name in the headlines that you can hope to attract the attention of owners and trainers. I would love to reduce my claim in the next year or so but know that it will require plenty of discipline and hard work in order to do so.

Aside from that, I’d love to pick up a ride or two in some of the bigger races, a realistic target given my light weight. Like any jockey, I will need to stay injury free if I am to achieve any of those goals, so hopefully luck will be on my side as well.

Sean O’Keeffe was in conversation with John O’Riordan