I REALISED a lifelong ambition last Friday week night when recording my first ever win as a jockey. It was extra significant, in that I also own Eat The Book, the horse that helped me finally reach that elusive milestone. While riding a winner had always been something of an obsession, above all else, I just love race-riding and working with horses.

My introduction to horses came about through my father, who had one in training with Colin Keane’s grandad, Vincent (Keane). Dad used to go down to the yard in Trim to ride out and I would sometimes accompany him.

Having learned the basics at a local riding school, I started off on ponies at the age of 12 or 13. Shortly after I went into secondary school, I began riding out in Vincent Keane’s.

After I finished my education, I went to work for Michael Grassick, who was based in the Phoenix Park. I had a half-share in a horse with him, so rode out there, while also pursuing a career as a butcher. Christy Grassick trained next door and I still have vivid memories of watching Godswalk in his work.

I later moved on to work for Liam Kavanagh for a time before returning to Michael (Grassick).

During the period I spent with Liam (Kavanagh), I took out my amateur licence and had my first ride under rules (Sunstroke in a bumper). I did briefly flirt with the idea of becoming a professional jockey but after a proposed move to Stan Mellor fell through, I decided to remain in the amateur ranks.

Healthcare

After a couple of years working as a butcher, I switched careers and got into healthcare. I worked for Pat Martin for a time when he first started training. Pat (Martin) had some really good horses back in those days and it was a fantastic time to be involved.

Although I never got a huge amount of rides, I continued to ride in point-to-points and the odd race under rules over the years.

Schooling

The two trainers I spent the longest amount of time riding out for were Ted Walsh and John Fowler. Both men were very good to me and I learned so much during the years I spent with them. Ted (Walsh) was a great believer in schooling his horse, so I got plenty experience of jumping both hurdles and fences. John (Fowler), who was a real old school trainer, liked to do a lot of distance work with his horses.

Supporter

The late Sue Doyle was a great supporter and influence on my career. I helped her break horses when she was based in Lucan and she encouraged me to go to Fowler’s. Sue (Doyle), who was good friends with the family, very kindly put in a good word which undoubtedly helped secure me the role. I had always bought a cheap horse or two over the years and Sue helped me out on occasions.

I probably had no more than 50 or 60 rides in my entire career but it was steady enough over time.

Slemish Dancer, a horse I owned myself, was the first I rode over hurdles on the racecourse. I had ridden the horse in point-to-points and bumpers previously but had some issues when it came to obtaining a category C licence.

It is necessary in order to ride against professionals over jumps but you need to prove you have enough race-riding experience to do so.

In my case, I was able to give details of previous rides but the problem was, some dated so far back there were no records in existence! Once the authorities were satisfied, I was granted the licence and had some great fun aboard Slemish Dancer.

Obsession

Eat The Book, was a horse my dad bought at Tattersalls. I have known David Dunne for nearly four years, so it was natural that he would train my horse. I rode the gelding in a couple of bumpers early on but hadn’t been on board for some time.

To be honest, it had always been a bit of a chip on my shoulder, having never ridden a winner.

For years, it had been something of an obsession but in recent times I think I had come to accept that it might never happen and was more chilled. I enjoy race-riding more than anything else, be it under rules or point-to-points.

At Kilbeggan last week, everything just fell into place for me at the right time. I had walked the track the previous evening, so knew where the better ground lay and with the race distance slightly reduced, there was less of a rush to the first hurdle.

I knew that I had to get Eat The Book settled early on, as all he does is stay; I was never too worried that he was well of the pace for much of the race, as he was always going to come home strongly. He hits a flat spot in his races but once he gets through that, he just finds his second wind.

Technique

Warren O’Connor (jockey coach) did a lot of work with me in terms of fitness and improving my technique, so deserves plenty of credit.

My wife Ann, has always encouraged me to pursue my dream, saying that you only live once.

Last weekend, someone also showed me a Twitter post from Jamie Codd, in which he praised the “peach of a ride” I gave Eat The Book. I really appreciated those comments, as I am a huge admirer of him.

Simon Condon was in conversation with John O’Riordan