FROM an early stage I knew that weight would prevent me from forging a successful career as a flat jockey, so after just two years riding on the level, I recently made the switch to jump racing. Thankfully I have got off to a great start at my new discipline, winning on just my second ride over hurdles.

I grew up watching National Hunt racing, as my second cousins, the Earls, owned horses such as Chicago Grey and Hoopy. The former was a Cheltenham festival winner for Gordon Elliott back in 2011, a day that none of us will ever forget. Although I was quite young at the time, it certainly ignited my interest in horses and racing in general.

My father also got involved in syndicates and one horse in particular, Camdengreenmachine, won a few times for them. I started getting riding lessons at the Galway Equestrian Centre while still in primary school and later moved on to hunting. From there, I went pony racing at the age of 12, after Dad bought me an old pony. We were placed a couple of times but he had come to the end of his career by that stage, so for my second season, I got a new partner.

The Sprout, a horse that we bought from England, won four races for me in the space of a couple of years. In all, I won just over 50 races on the pony circuit, before taking out my jockey’s license at 16.

During my secondary school education in Presentation College, Athenry, I rode out for my neighbours Gerry Lynch and Martin Cullinane. I also got to spend a bit of time up at Gordon Elliott’s yard, thanks to Tom Howley and Michael Earls. The latter owns Easyfix, who are also my current sponsors. Dad also works for the agricultural side of that business. It was through Tom Howley that I got into Ger Lyons yard as an apprentice.

FLAT

I wanted to spend a few years on the flat first, as I felt it would improve my riding and sharpen my skills as a jockey. I went up to Ger’s at 15 and spend two full seasons with him. It was a great place to work in, with Ger and Shane [Lyons], Colin Keane and Martin Horan [Head Man] all being very encouraging and supportive. I rode my first winner, Roibeard, at Fairyhouse in June 2016, before adding a further three successes over the next two seasons.

Towards the end of last summer, I really began to struggle with my weight and found it difficult to continue. I was running before, after and even during school, sweating the whole time and constantly watching what I ate. Early one morning in September, I approached Ger and told him I was at a crossroads. He asked if I wanted to go jumping and if so, with whom. I told him I’d love to work with Joseph O’Brien and the boss made the necessary calls. I spoke to Joseph that lunchtime and started with him the following week.

I have to thank Ger Lyons for getting me started as a jockey and supporting my decision to switch to jump racing. He has been a very influential figure in my career thus far. Since joining Joseph O’Brien, I have taken out my jumps licence (in December) and ridden my first winner under National Hunt rules. I have done plenty of schooling and am enjoying the opportunity to work alongside leading jump jockeys, on top-class horses. Although Joseph had retired before I started riding, I always respected him, as he was a very strong rider, who battled with his weight.

FIRST WINNER

Rock On Barney had solid placed form early last year but had been out of sorts of late. Gerry Lynch decided to try the horse in first-time cheekpieces at Clonmel last time and fortunately it had the desired effect. He loved the testing ground and plugged on in determined fashion to give me my first winner over hurdles.

I was thrilled to ride my initial winner for Gerry [Lynch] as he has been very good to me from the outset. Along with men like Ger Lyons, Gerry Keane and Martin Cullinane, he has given me plenty of opportunities on the track.

I certainly have no regrets about my decision to go jump racing – I can comfortably claim 7lbs off 9-10 which opens up more options for me.

Hopefully I can ride a few more winners this season, just get my name out there and attract the attention of the jumps lads.

The coming year is all about gaining further experience and showing what I can do. Then, hopefully, in 2019, I can build on that progress and set some targets for myself.

Evan Daly was in conversation with John O’Riordan