Horse racing is a huge part of Irish culture. It is believed to date as far back as 110 BC when there are records of chariot racing during Conaire Mór’s reign.

It became extremely popular in the 17th century where one race established by Lord Kildare offered a price fund of £40.

Throughout the years since, the Irish have bred and raced horses. And they don’t just race in Ireland. Here are some of the Irish horses, jockeys and trainers who have had success in Australia and many other countries across the globe.

JOSEPH O'BRIEN

Joseph O'Brien is the eldest son of champion Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien. In 2017, Joseph O’Brien trained Rekindling to win the Melbourne Cup, defeating a horse trained by his father.

Three years later in 2020, Joseph did it again, winning the Melbourne Cup with Twilight Payment.

In 2021 Joseph captured another big Australian race when State Of Rest won the Cox Plate.

DERMOT WELD

In 1993 Curragh trainer Dermot Weld made history when he sent Vintage Crop all the way to Australia to win the Melbourne Cup. It was the first time a horse trained in Europe won the famous race.

Weld did it again in 2002 with Media Puzzle.

RUBY WALSH

Ruby Walsh, born in Co Kildare in 1979, is the son of former champion amateur jockey Ted Walsh. Ruby won the Irish amateur title twice and was champion professional 12 times.

As a jump jockey he rarely had the opportunity to ride outside Britain or Ireland. But in 2015 he took up an invitation to ride in Australia's Grand National in Ballarat, in the state of Victoria.

Riding dual winner Bashboy, whose regular jockey Steve Pateman was suspended, Walsh won the race, making international news. He retired in 2019 after a long and successful 24-year career.

UPCOMING AUSTRALIAN RACES

Racing has continued in Australia through the pandemic under strict conditions.

If you have a keen interest in racing and you’d like to place a few bets, you can check out all the latest news regarding big races such as The Everest race in October and the Australian Cup in March via sites like racingbase.com.au.

And remember to keep an eye out for any Irish horses, jockeys or trainers!