WINNING Monday’s BoyleSports Irish Grand National aboard Lord Lariat was undoubtedly a career highlight. As an adopted Meath man, living just five miles from Fairyhouse, I fully appreciate the history and popularity of the race around the local area. Just having a ride in the National was satisfying in itself but to actually go and win was beyond my wildest expectations. Almost a week on, it still hasn’t fully sunk in, as I continue to be inundated with calls and texts from well-wishers.

Although born in Dublin, I spent much of my formative years in Co Meath where my father had a farm. He was a Kerry man but moved up to the capital as a young man. His love for the land never left him, so he bought the farm on which he kept horses and ponies. I was accompanying him to the sales from as early as I can remember, spending my time pulling out of mares and foals.

After I finished in primary school, the family moved down to Meath permanently and have been here ever since. As a teenager, I started going in to Eddie Lynam, who is based just a few miles down the road from us. He had all the great sprinters there at the time - the likes of Sole Power and Slade Power.

At 15, I went to Dermot McLoughlin for the first time. He has always been so supportive, a great mentor and influence on my career. I also spent a summer working for Ger Lyons when I was in my mid-teens. That was a fantastic experience, seeing first-hand how one of the leading trainers in the sport operates.

While still in school, I took out my flat licence and became apprenticed to Dermot. In 2015, I rode my first winner under rules, Tortueuse at Dundalk, the year I did my Leaving Cert. After then going a full year without a winner, I decided to try my luck in Britain, moving over to join up with Karl Burke. I spent 18 months over there but a broken pelvis stalled my career at a stage where I was still growing physically.

Return

On my return to Ireland, I went back riding out for Dermot McLoughlin, with no fixed plans in my head. Dermot floated the prospect of me going jump racing but to be honest I wasn’t sure at first. I said I’d give it a try and just see from there. While I had done plenty of hunting over the years, I didn’t school horses over fences.

As part of my education, I went down to Enda Bolger one day a week; an invaluable experience. My first winner over jumps was one I will never forget - Amaulino at Leopardstown in March 2019. It snowed heavy throughout the day and a photo of me winning the race made front page news. It was the first and only time, I had been on the cover of a national newspaper before last Tuesday morning!

Less than a month later, I rode my second winner, Ballymadun, at Down Royal. That one was also significant, as while Amaulino had been for another great supporter Keith Watson, the former was my first for Dermot.

In 2019/20, I rode a further three winners and doubled that tally last season. Prior to last Monday, I was on nine winners for the current campaign, so it was fitting that my National win saw me reach double figures for the first time. I had won on Lord Lariat at Punchestown in December, having previously been second on the horse at Fairyhouse.

Dermot had given him a break following his last run in February and was confident it had done the world of good. I was very hopeful that Lord Lariat would give me a great spin, as he travels well and wings his fences. To be honest, I would have been delighted if he finished in the first half dozen; I never for one moment dreamed I could win.

In the days leading up to the National, every second person I met was asking if I had a ride in the race or who I thought might win. It means so much to the people around the local area - I was just delighted to be involved.

Handy

In the race itself, I was surprised how handy I got to the front. Lord Lariat was always jumping and travelling but I was happy when Jack Kennedy joined me, as I didn’t want to have to do all the donkey work.

However, my horse was going so easily, I didn’t want to disappoint him, so I allowed him to stride on again at the fourth last. He just came up at every fence and each time I asked him for a big one, he was there for me.

On the run down to the last, I had no idea I was so far in front. Normally you would listen for other horses but with the noise of the crowd that wasn’t possible. I just kept pushing Lord Lariat out to the line, praying something wouldn’t come and nab me close home! The reception from the crowd was incredible when we came back in.

Later that evening, when the horse arrived home, there were queues the length of the road. Lord Lariat winning the Irish Grand National meant so much to so many people. I was delighted for Dermot and the owners, as they kept faith in me, allowing me to ride their horse in such a prestigious race. The staff at home, the real heroes and backbone of the yard, have to be commended for playing a huge part in winning back-to-back Irish Nationals.

Paddy O’Hanlon was in conversation with John O’Riordan