PRINCE Garyantle’s win in the Adare Manor Opportunity Series Final at Punchestown last Wednesday capped what had already been a fantastic season. I had secured the overall series prior to the finale being run but in claiming the concluding leg, I was also winning my first race at the festival.
HUNTING
My twin brother Ronan and I, started hunting with the Bray Harriers after being introduced to horses by the Lawless family. Ronan is also a jockey who is currently based with Peter Fahey.
I went to Philip Rothwell’s when I was 17, taking out my licence at the same time. It was my first experience of a proper racing yard and Philip was very good to me.
I had seven rides on the track for him before moving up north to work for Stuart Crawford. On my initial outing for Stuart, I rode my first winner under rules – Comragh at Ayr in November 2015. It was a great experience working for the Crawfords as they had so many nice young horses in their care.
I also grew up as an individual during the 12 months I spent there, as it was my first time living away from home. Eventually I took the decision to move on as opportunities were limited on the racecourse.
James Griffin, a good friend of Stuart’s suggested that I move home, where I could base myself at their yard [Patrick Griffin]. The Griffin family have been very good to me over the last two years, basically treating me like one of their own. I ride out there five days a week and divide the rest of my time between Noel Meade (two mornings a week) and Paul Stafford (in the afternoons).
FIRST IRISH WINNER
Heist, a real stable stalwart for the Griffins, has been a huge factor in my career to date. He provided me with a first Irish winner, when successful at Kilbeggan in September 2016 and has since won three times in Britain. A few weeks after Heist won at Kilbeggan, I rode Grange Hall to win for Paul Stafford at Sligo.
I firmly believe that my career took off from that point so I can trace it all back to September 2016.
With the support of the Griffins and my agent Ken Whelan, I am flexible to ride out wherever I am needed and have built up plenty of new contacts in recent times. I appreciate the fact they have allowed me the freedom to further my career in this way.
QUALITY
With the quality of National Hunt racing in Ireland at an all time high, opportunities are limited for smaller trainers and jockeys. Men like Patrick [Griffin], Paul [Stafford], Liam Lennon and Noel Kelly place their horses really well and aren’t afraid to travel to Britain. I have been fortunate enough to be asked to partner some of their overseas runners, riding six winners in Britain last season.
These trips are always very enjoyable and we have had plenty of luck over the last while. As a jockey, I am well aware that it also puts me in the shop window, on view to a wider audience if you like. Hopefully my success will help raise my profile in Britain and maybe some trainers in that country will also start to use me when I am over there.
COMPETITION
I wasn’t even aware that I was leading the Adare Manor Opportunity Series until it was pointed out to me while walking the track on Wednesday.
Not only that but I had a clear lead so could afford to go out and enjoy the last race in the competition. Prince Garyantle was a right spin to get as he stays further so I could afford to be positive on him, going out and making the running.
He was expertly prepared by Matthew Smith so I had a relatively straightforward task as it turned out. Part of the prize for winning the series is a trip to Australia for the annual jockeys challenge next October. Hopefully I stay in one piece as it is a trip I would very much be looking forward to making.
It would also be a great honour to get to represent my country as it is a rare opportunity in this sport. My main aim for the current season is to ride as many winners as possible and hopefully compete in some of the bigger races. I got to ride in the Irish Grand National last month, where my lightweight proved a deciding factor.
I can easily get down to 9st 5lb so am never in a position to refuse a ride. It certainly opens up more opportunities for me, opportunities I am determined to take.
Adam Short was in conversation with John O’Riordan