HAVING spent time race-riding in both Britain and the US, I recently returned home to Ireland. An opportunity arose to join the Fozzy Stack stable and I didn’t need to think twice.

Thankfully, everything has gone well in the early weeks of the new season, leaving me with little doubt that I made the right decision.

Although I started riding horses at 10 years old, we only had show jumpers and hunters at home.

It was not until I began riding out for my neighbour Ian Harmon, a local point-to-point trainer, that I first sat on a thoroughbred. I was 16 and was instantly bitten by the bug.

I got in touch with Ken Bolger, a nephew of Jim’s, and he kindly arranged for me to go and spend a summer in Coolcullen.

At the end of the period, Jim (Bolger) asked if I would be interested in coming back the following year and signing on as an apprentice. Firstly, I had to go back and finish my Leaving Certificate so that I had an education behind me if I didn’t make it as a jockey.

The following June, I sat my exams and started in Coolcullen a few days later. That first year (2011) was mainly spent working in the yard, riding work and doing general stable duties.

It was not until 12 months later, when I had acquired the necessary experience that I was allowed take out my licence.

SENIOR RIDERS

I had three rides on the track in 2012 but gained so much more from just watching the senior riders at home.

Kevin Manning, Ronan Whelan, Rory Cleary and Gordon Power were all very helpful to me and always on hand to offer advice if I needed it.

I have become very good pals with Ronan (Whelan) and we kept in touch over the years.

In 2013, I rode my first winner, Fionnuar, for the boss at Naas. I ended the campaign with four successes, including ones at the Curragh and the Listowel festival. Mr Bolger was very good to me and looked after me well. Everything he put me up on had a chance and that allowed me to progress as a rider and be involved in race finishes.

In 2014, I rode a further two winners, this time for outside stables. I rang around myself and did the groundwork so that trainers would give me a ride. It no doubt helped that I was attached to the Bolger yard and had proven that I could win races.

OFF TO AMERICA

In 2015 I left Ireland to begin a new chapter of my career in the US. I was actually born over there so already had a dual passport.

It was always in my head to try race-riding there as it is generally accepted that riding against the clock makes you a better judge of pace.

I spent the first six months with Brendan Walsh in Kentucky, before moving on to Chicago where I mainly rode freelance.

While in Kentucky, I met up with John Haran, who had a string of 70 horses in Chicago. He promised that if I came up to him, I could ride everything in his yard. During my time in America, I rode 10 winners from 200 rides, mainly based at Hawthorne Park, Keeneland and Ellis Park.

MICK CHANNON

I left the US in February 2016, moving to Britain to ride for the Mick Channon stable. Last season I rode two winners for Mick (Channon) during the course of the season. However, I began to miss home more than anything else and having been away for a few years was eager to come back.

Earlier this year I got a call from Fozzy Stack asking if I would be interested in riding as stable apprentice. I knew immediately it was a great opportunity so I jumped at the chance.

Although Fozzy had played a leading role in the Stack yard for a number of years, he officially took over the licence this season.

It seemed the perfect time for both of us; a young trainer and jockey, both starting out on new chapters of their respective careers.

Fozzy and I get on really well and that certainly helps. He has been very good to me since I joined the team.

I have been given plenty of rides and that in turn has boosted my confidence.

After Sirici finished second for us on her racecourse debut, Fozzy kept me on the filly for her next start at Dundalk.

The fact he showed faith in me, a 7lb claimer, as opposed to one of the senior riders, was a sign of the relationship we have developed.

Thankfully I rewarded his loyalty and the filly went on to give me my first winner since returning to Ireland.

Both Chris Hayes and Billy Lee regularly come in and ride out in the yard and I would be very friendly with the two of them.

It is great to get the opportunity to ride work alongside the pair and learn as I go along. Like in every walk of life, it is only by trying to match yourself with the best around that you can develop and progress as an individual.

TARGETS

My main target this season would be to ride a dozen winners or so; if I can achieve that I will be very satisfied. Hopefully that will set me up to have a real go at the apprentice title next season.

In the shorter term, I only need one more winner, before having my claim reduced to 5lbs, so I am hoping to do this in the coming weeks.

Killian Hennessy was in conversation with John O’Riordan