AS someone who doesn’t come from a traditional racing background, I have always found those within the industry to be very welcoming. Having forged a career working with horses over the last five years, I was thrilled to be presented with the Newcomer Award at the recent Godolphin Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards.

From a very young age, I knew that all I ever wanted to do was ride horses. We didn’t have any at home when I was growing up but there were horses and ponies stabled close to our family home.

Riding lessons

I started off with a friend, riding his horses around paddocks without any tack on them. My mam Michelle and I then had two or three riding lessons while I was still in primary school but after that, I had no direct contact until I was 16.

It was not until Transition Year in secondary school that I had my next experience with horses. During work experience at my local Meadow Lane Stables, I learned basics such as mucking out, general horse care and a bit of trotting. After moving on to another equestrian centre, Old Court Stables, I started riding ponies and doing show jumping. Although I didn’t get paid, I helped out around the yard in exchange for lessons.

Working with horses

After finishing in secondary school, I applied for three courses all of which involved working with horses. While I never had any intentions of becoming a jockey, I was accepted onto RACE, so went up to the Kildare-based academy.

It wasn’t long before I could see a real progression in my riding, something that gave me more confidence. I was sent out to Dermot Weld on work placement - I really loved it there.

The experience of sitting on yearlings and two-year-olds brought me on even further in terms of horsemanship.

Unfortunately, with the outbreak of Covid, I was only at Rosewell House for a few months before the RACE trainees had to be recalled. I returned home to Wexford, where I spent a very enjoyable two years riding out for Paul and James Nolan. They taught me loads during that time, so I am very grateful to them both.

Exercise rider

In 2022, I moved on to take up a role as an exercise rider with trainer Eoin Griffin. Shortly after I started, an opportunity arose to become Yard Supervisor. Eoin encouraged me to give it a go and while I was initially reluctant due to my lack of experience, I am glad that he persuaded me!

I continue to ride out every morning, as well as doing all of the racing. Earlier this year, I took out an amateur licence and had a number of rides in bumpers.

However, the undoubted highlight for me, was riding my own horse Cruise to finish fifth in a point-to-point at Monksgrange. It was an incredible experience, something that I’d love to do more of.

Longer term, I hope that I can upgrade my licence which would then allow me to ride over jumps under rules. I also competed in my first racehorse to riding horse event this year, having subsequently retrained Cruise. I brought the gelding to the Carlow Hunt Show, where he won his individual class.

In an ideal world, I’d hope to qualify the horse for the RDS next year where he could compete in the open competition. However, time constraints may not allow me to do this, as Eoin’s yard continues to grow and develop.

Winners

To date, we have had eight winners already this season, with Jody Ted leading the way with two victories. He won a Pertemps Handicap Hurdle qualifier at Punchestown recently so hopefully, there is much to look forward to in the new year.

When Eoin nominated me for the Godolphin Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, I was delighted. Just the fact that he put me forward was enough, as it showed he appreciated the work I do at home. I suppose, as someone who didn’t grow up in this environment, you always feel that you have to work that much harder or have something to prove.

To win the award in the Newcomer category was hugely satisfying, as it confirmed that not only did my boss acknowledge my work, but my peers did likewise.

On a personal level, I have always found racing people to be very accommodating; so hopefully my success will encourage others without a background to follow their dreams.

Natalie Bradley was in conversation with John O’Riordan