POITIN gave me my first win as a licensed trainer, when he won at Dundalk last Friday night week. Having come close to opening my account on a couple of occasions last season, it was fantastic to finally get off the mark. I am really looking forward to the next few months now, when hopefully I can build on Poitin’s success.

I was born into a racing family. I’m a nephew of Tucker Geraghty and the jockeys Barry and Ross Geraghty are my first cousins. Our grandfather, Laurence Geraghty bred the legendary Golden Miller, winner of five consecutive Gold Cups and the only horse to win both that race and the Grand National in the same year (1934).

As children we all hung around together, riding with the Meath Hunt Pony Club, going hunting and show jumping. On weekends and school holidays, we were in Tucker’s yard at every opportunity, learning about the racehorses and watching them work. Barry and Norman introduced me to pony racing; even at that young age Barry was already in demand and he put a fair few spare rides my way.

FINISH EDUCATION

At 15 years old I had already decided that I wanted to pursue a career in racing but my parents felt very strongly that I should finish my education. So, after some negotiations we agreed a deal; I would finish my Leaving Certificate, then be allowed fulfil my ambitions in racing.

When I finished school I went to work for Tony Martin. It was the first time I had set foot in a racing yard, aside from my uncle’s, so I treated it very seriously, eager to learn as much as possible. I never drank or smoke, always taking a very professional approach to my work. I felt that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing well. From early on, I knew my future lay as a trainer, so I took the opportunity to gain knowledge and experience, both from riding horses and watching trainers at work.

My brother Ivan and I bought a horse named Rick, who, while under Tony’s care, won twice for us. Being closely involved in the horse’s race preparations only reinforced my desire to one day make it as a trainer.

FREELANCE

After four years with Tony Martin, I decided to go freelance, deciding that it would benefit me in the long term if I saw how things were done in different yards. David Broad was particularly good to me, providing me with my first winner in the saddle (Pacamisto), as well as imparting plenty of knowledge.

In recent years, I found it hard as a jockey, when smaller fields meant I was never guaranteed a ride even on a horse I had schooled or ridden the previous time. Given the choice of myself or one of the bigger names, an owner or trainer would always, understandably, plump for the latter.

In late 2011, I began to fall out of love with riding and having been placed at Clonmel one afternoon, I decided the time was right to call it quits. I never actually retired as such, just took a step back and didn’t renew my licence the following season.

FIRST RUNNERS

I had my first runners as a trainer in 2012 with a few horses we hadn’t sold as yearlings. Fortunately I was able to sell them on after a time, enabling me to improve the quality in the yard. I was just finding my feet as a trainer and the following year proved to be a real learning curve. I was very lucky to have some great owners such as Mrs Embiricos from Sussex, who entrusted me with New World in 2013. He was placed three times in bumpers last season and on his first run this season, he was second in a maiden hurdle in Cork. I’m very hopeful he will bring us into the winner’s enclosure very soon.

Last June, I outgrew my previous yard and moved my operation to the Lee Valley Training Centre. From the minute I stepped in there, everything just began to click; all the horses ran to the best of their ability with New World, Russian Maria Star and Footat all being placed. I knew that I was doing things right as a trainer and it was just a case of being patient and waiting for that first winner to arrive.

After Poitin finished fourth on her debut for me at Dundalk early last month, I was confident she was the one to provide me with that elusive success. In truth I expected her to win and told the owners the same. I felt on her work at home that she was good enough to win and I claimed off her just to be certain! When the winner finally arrived, I think I appreciated it that little bit more, having had to wait for so long. Hallbeck also ran in the race for us, I knew she would need the run, just like Poitin on her return and I couldn’t be happier with the way she performed.

TEAM EFFORT

It is a real team effort here at Lee Valley, comprising Alison Murphy, Kenny McCrossnan, my brothers Roy and Ivan, and myself. Alison has been with me since I started training and rides out every morning, as well as going racing with our runners. Kenny only joined us recently as a work rider but I have known him all my life and he is a great judge. He is Poitin’s regular work rider and was adamant she was ready for last weekend. Roy is the man in charge of the money and does the books and business accounts, while Ivan, who is assistant manager at Tara Stud, is the bloodstock agent, responsible for buying Poitin, among others.

The syndicate who own the mare are from all corners of Ireland and got involved in the sport for the craic more than anything. Ivan put together a very attractive package which meant that racehorse ownership was very affordable. We hope to put together a new syndicate in the near future but there is still a share available in Poitin if anyone is interested.

We really enjoy the excitement and energy the syndicate members bring to the yard and Ivan has just sourced another horse similar to Poitin, which we will be syndicating soon. Having started with just two horses, I now have 17 in training and am very optimistic about the future. Poitin set the ball rolling last weekend, now we just have to keep our heads down, work hard and all things being equal the winners will follow.

For details of Keith Clarke’s upcoming open day, please contact 086 3775682

Keith Clarke was in conversation with John O’Riordan