THE Taaffe name will forever be associated with the legendary Arkle; while in more recent times Kicking King kept the strong link with Cheltenham alive when winning the Gold Cup.

Although I was too young to remember either, I have grown up with stories of their exploits. Last month I rode my very first winner as a jockey, thus continuing a family tradition dating back generations.

I was just two years old when Kicking King won his Gold Cup but it often feels as if I was there on the day. The race has been viewed over a 1000 times on You Tube and I often tell people that at least 900 were mine!

Dad had already retired from race-riding and established himself as a trainer by the time I was born. Finger Onthe Pulse, the 2010 Galway Plate winner, was the first big success of his I can recall.

Although just eight years old, I remember watching the race at home with my mom. By that age I had already started riding ponies, along with my brother Alex, while a couple of years later I moved on to riding out racehorses.

I competed in show jumping competitions as a child but by 12 years old I had switched my attention to pony racing. Throughout those years, my parents were a great support, driving me all over the country from Kerry to Donegal.

Pony racing was a great grounding for me, something I couldn’t recommend highly enough. You learn so much on the pony circuit and it gives you a head start on lads who never competed.

From a very young age I knew I wanted to be a jockey. I didn’t fully comprehend or appreciate the legend of Arkle but knew of his existence. We had numerous photos all over the house and there was a history wall of all his wins directly outside my bedroom door.

Inspiration

Barry Geraghty was a big inspiration when I was in my early teens - he used to come in and school horses for dad and I looked up to him. I got my amateur licence just over a year and a half ago, although I only rode a few horses for my dad.

As a pupil at Clongowes College, I studied for my Leaving Certificate, only getting my grades this week. I am hoping to pursue a degree in business or law at UCD so am anxiously awaiting the offers when they are released.

Clongowes has been a godsend for me as I have no doubt the college got the best out of me in terms of reaching my potential. Over the next three years, I hope to continue my education while also riding as an amateur both in point-to-points and under rules.

Hopefully, I can go on to have a good career as an amateur but my weight is quite high so I am realistic enough to accept that I won’t be turning professional. If I can ride in point-to-points and hunter chases, bumpers and amateur riders races on the track I will be satisfied.

Over the summer months, I have been riding out for Noel Meade as well as for my dad. Thankfully things have started to pick up, although I know it will get more difficult once I start college. Ultimately my ambition is to have a career working in the bloodstock industry, something I am hoping my degree will help with.

Dad currently does some work for Goffs, representing them globally at the sales. I started spotting at the recent Land Rover Sale so plan to keep that up throughout my college years.

Having hit the crossbar with a couple of near misses, it was unbelievable to get that elusive winner on Walking Fame at Downpatrick. What made the win even more special was that it was on a mare trained by my father. I have no doubt that I wouldn’t be where I am now without him, as he taught me everything I know.

Support

Dad is always helping me improve as a jockey and is the first and last person I will ring for advice. Both himself and my mom have been an incredible support throughout my life.

Despite bearing the Taaffe name, I was never put under any pressure or pushed into a riding career - it was entirely my own decision; not that I needed any persuasion! Having the same name as my grandfather I’d certainly love to do him proud by riding a few more winners and making a success of my race-riding career.

In the autumn, I plan to ride in point-to-points, while I will continue to ride as an amateur on the racecourse. The long term ambition is to ride as many winners as possible and hopefully reduce my claim. I want to give it all I have as a jockey for as long as that remains feasible.

For the next three years I plan to concentrate on college but after what my options are open. A career in the bloodstock industry definitely appeals but I wouldn’t rule out following my dad into training.

It isn’t as easy as it was a decade or so ago, as the bigger yards tend to have large numbers, but I wouldn’t ever say no to it. Like race-riding, I grew up around a training yard so it is something I have known all my life.

Pat Taaffe was in conversation

with John O’Riordan.