A NEW show has been devised which should attract lovers of both dance theatre and the horse as WillFredd Theatre are about to present the world premiere of JOCKEY. The show is directed by Sophie Motley and co-created with dancer Emma O’Kane.

Although she didn’t know it, renowned dancer Emma O’Kane has been preparing for this show most of her life. Emma had never ridden a horse before but the first time she did she realised that all her years of dance training had prepared her well. She became fascinated by the similarities between jockeys and dancers, both honing the same muscles, needing the same stamina, undergoing intensive training, with that same rush of adrenaline of performing or riding in a race. The first time she went near a horse the trainer told her she was a natural, that horse racing was in her blood. Some research unearthed the fact that her grandfather Phillip de Burgh O’Brien, who died before she was born, had been a bloodstock agent and racing journalist. Emma recounts her own brave experiences of recently learning to ride a racehorse on her blog on www.irishracing.com: “Driving in the gates of (Michael) Halford’s is an impressive sight to behold. There are two yards full of racehorses and stunning gallops on the way to Louise’s riding school. The place is a hive of activity. There is a buzz of excitement about the yards. I imagine that I am about to climb on board one of these sleek, beautiful thoroughbreds. And then we round the corner and I am introduced to Toffee.