Tell us about your history and introduction to the racing industry. 

I started in racing back in 2014, riding out for Tony Martin while I was still in school. In transition year I went to the racing academy on the Curragh where I learned plenty, from the basics right down to schooling horses over jumps and coming out of stalls. They placed me with Sandra Hughes where I got to use the skills I had learned. After I finished in RACE (The Racing Academy and Centre of Education) in 2016 I went back to school in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, to do my Leaving Certificate. 

I took out my amateur licence and went working for Gordon Elliott where I was lucky enough to get a few rides in point-to-points. I found it very hard being a jockey with keeping my weight right so I decided to take a look at what else I could do within the racing industry. I picked up a National Hunt-bred foal at Goffs sales in December 2020 and looked after her until she was a three-year-old. I then sold her on at the Tattersalls store sales and did the same with another flat-bred foal and sold her as a yearling at Tattersalls Saphire Sale. I had a bit of success buying and selling so I was hooked after that. 

Where did you get Prada’s World?

I bought Prada’s World in the September yearling sales at Tattersalls last year (2023). I was in the market for a flat-bred horse again as the turnover is quicker, you have to be very patient with the National Hunt-bred horses. The more work I was putting into Prada the more I grew fonder of her and decided to keep her and put her into training with Chris Timmons at Drumree Lodge Stud. 

Tell us about the process of producing her and getting her ready to run, from when you first got her up to now.

I kept her at home on the farm and broke her in myself, I couldn’t have asked for a better tempered horse, she was so well behaved. When I felt she was ready, I put her into training with Chris. She’s been very good in her training and taking it all in her stride, she’s a quick learner, thank God. Chris has been very good with her and keeping me updated with her progress, I can’t thank him enough. 

What was going through your mind while she was running, and how do you think the race panned out?

Leading up to the race I was excited that her race day had finally come and I was very lucky that Seamie (Heffernan) was available to take the ride. He’s got so much experience when it comes to a horse’s maiden run.

She was unlucky when a few of the horses got squished against the rail along the straight, I felt she didn’t get a proper run into her but she’s back safe and sound which is the main thing. We’ll look for another race for her and hope the luck is on her side. 

Do you know what the next steps for her are?

We’ll take it one step at a time as she’s still only learning the ropes, we want her to enjoy running a race and once she enjoys it, the form will follow.

Is this the first horse you have run as an owner? What are you hoping to achieve in the long term?

Yes, Prada is the first horse I’ve run as an owner, it is a great experience and I’d recommend it to anyone that’s thinking of getting involved. The process is very quick and takes no time at all. All I can hope for is that Prada comes back from her races safe and sound. In the long term I’d hope for her to win a few races and get bl,acktype to her name so I can breed from her. 

Is there a story behind the colours?

When I decided to become an owner I needed a hand in picking the colours. I went to my mom and dad and they suggested our parish colours of Moynalvey. I played plenty of GAA when I was younger so it definitely suited to pick the maroon and white. Dad was good at picking the patterns and Mom with the colours. 

Have you got any more horses? How is it going with them and what’s the plan there?

I just have one more horse at home, she’s a two-year-old by Sioux Nation. The plan with her is to put her in training with Chris Timmons as well. She was also very easy to break, I have her at home out at grass at the moment, she’ll go into training over the winter. 

I know it’s still early days, but do you have an idea of a retirement plan for Prada when that time comes?

When Prada does retire, hopefully with some wins to her name, she’ll stay on the farm with me and hopefully I can breed out of her. 

As a newer owner, have you come across any challenges so far?

Very little to none so far. HRI (Horse Racing Ireland) have been very good, if I have a question they’re only a phone call away as well as Chris, he’s very good with updates on Prada’s progress. 

What advice would you give to someone your age wanting to get involved in ownership? 

My advice would be to do some research, call up the likes of Tattersalls or Goffs and they can put you in touch with a bloodstock agent to help you pick a horse whether it be for jumps racing or flat racing. Regards to registration as an owner, it is very simple, HRI have it all labelled out online.