Name: Barry Reynolds
Lowest riding weight: Claim 7lb off 9st 13lb
Racing background: My family has no connection to racing at all but I started with a neighbour of ours, Robert Brabazon. I went from riding ponies to riding out, to riding work and schooling. I got hooked and then heard about RACE. My parents agreed that I could go but on the condition I did my Leaving Certificate in school (attained 415 points). I went to RACE and was placed with John Oxx who was a gentleman to work for.
First racing job: I moved to Noel Meade as I was looking to go jumping.
First ride: Captain Ahab, Down Royal, St Stephen’s Day 2014 for Peter Mooney.
First winner: Still waiting!
Rides to date: 22
Agent: Ken Whelan
Based with: I’m with Mr Meade full-time but am available to ride out or school for anyone that needs me.
Best horse associated with: Monksland. I ride him everyday.
Role model: Mark Walsh. He’s a great man to get horses jumping and always seems to have horses in the right place throughout a race.
Your Christmas wish list: To break my duck and end up in the winner’s enclosure.
New Year’s resolution: I’d like to try and get associated with a couple of smaller trainers to give myself a chance of more rides.
Hardest part of getting going: Trying to get trainers to believe in you. If you ring a trainer the first thing they ask is ‘how many winners have you ridden?’ Even the 7lb claiming races are a closed shop. Perhaps running those races around a bigger track like Fairyhouse or Navan with 25 or 30 runners in them could give even more lads a chance.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given: Nothing in particular, I’m lucky that I can ask Sean Flanagan, Ger Fox and Johnny Moore anything anytime.
Ultimate goals: To make a living from riding but ultimately I can see myself training down the road after riding.
Trainer’s quote: “Barry is a great guy, great worker and very reliable. He rides well and has plenty of schooling done. He’ll be getting more chances and hopefully he can build on what he’s done so far.” Noel Meade.