EARLIER this month I rode two winners in two days, bringing my overall career total to five. Having only held a jockey’s licence since May, I am thrilled with how everything has gone in such a short period. The next few months are going to be all about finding the right balance, as I am due to sit my Leaving Certificate in June.

My father Paul (Gilligan) is a well known trainer, so I grew up around horses and racing. Dad had a particularly exciting year in 2010 and fortunately I was just about old enough to appreciate it. Although I was too young to travel to Cheltenham to witness Berties Dream win the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, I was watching at home surrounded my family and friends.

For days after, well-wishers called to the house, eager to show us just how much the victory meant to our small parish.

As if that wasn’t enough, Dad added a second Grade 1 win to his record when Jadanli claimed the Powers Gold Cup at Fairyhouse a month later. On that occasion, I was allowed take the day off school to go racing and see the horse in the flesh.

RIDING OUT

I had just started riding out at home and while Jadanli was too strong to handle, I rode Berties Dream who was a grand quiet horse. Over the next year or so, I moved on to riding some small ponies and from there to the circuit.

Initially I rode on the northern pony racing circuit but switched to the southern one for my final couple of seasons. I rode six winners at the Dingle Races, which we would view as the equivalent of Cheltenham in pony racing circles. Throughout this time, I continued to ride out both before and after school, as well as taking the odd day off to go racing.

I knew that I was never going to be light enough to ride on the flat, so any thoughts of attending RACE or getting an apprenticeship were soon dismissed. I just put my head down and worked away at both study and racing, waiting for the day I would turn 16, so I could take out my licence.

FIRST RIDES

Finally, in May of this year, I was able to fill out my application and in July I had my first rides on the track. In all honesty, I cannot believe how well everything has gone since then. I never expected my career to take off as well as it has, instead thinking it would be slow to begin with. Having gained by first win aboard Nellie Pledge at Sligo in August, I have added a further four winners to my first season total.

That initial victory was significant not only for being my first success but also that of trainer Brian Cawley. He has been very good to me over the last few years, allowing me to ride out in his yard, while also offering plenty of help and advice.

As if the win of Nellie Pledge wasn’t already special enough for my family, the fact she was bred by my mother made it even more so. Although Mom isn’t from a racing background she breeds a few horses and loves that side of the game.

Aside from Brian Cawley, both Ger Lynch and Martin Cullinane have been very good to me since I took out my licence.

I ride out for both trainers frequently, particularly the latter. On my recent midterm break I rode out at Willie Mullins yard, something I hope to do as often as time permits. It is a fantastic opportunity to sit on some high-class horses and learn from the country’s top jockeys.

My agent Ken Whelan has helped me enormously over the past few months and deserves plenty of credit. Dad, is undoubtedly the biggest influence on my career, always on hand to impart his knowledge and experience. He was the one who got me into the game initially and I am fortunate to be able to call on him for advice.

EDUCATION

Having made the breakthrough on the track, I must now walk the tightrope between racing and study over the coming year.

I realise how important getting my Leaving Certificate is and I have to say my teachers have been very good to me. While I have missed the odd few days during the year, I have tried to stay on top of everything as best I can.

I know that the school have worked with me in that respect and I appreciate that.

Despite my early success as a jockey I know that those wins are quickly forgotten so it is crucial that I continue to win as many races as possible during the current season.

I have to keep my name out there so that trainers will think of me when they are booking a rider for their horse. It is only by winning races and showing what I am capable of that I will attract their attention.

Liam Gilligan was in conversation with John O’Riordan.