IN a relatively short space of time, Joseph O’Brien’s Owning Hill base has become a top academy for young jockeys to hone their skills as quality riders.

From Shane Crosse to Dylan Browne McMonagle and Mikey Sheehy - to name a few - several talented youngsters have progressed through the claiming ranks under O’Brien’s guidance, and 17-year-old apprentice Conor Stone-Walsh might well be the next bright prospect to make his mark from the same base.

A highly regarded pony racing graduate who racked up close to 90 winners on the flapping circuit, the teenager from Co Wexford has been enjoying a fine summer, having only recorded his first success last December when partnering Malaysian to victory at Dundalk for Charlie Moore.

Speaking at the Killarney July Festival earlier this week, Stone-Walsh told The Irish Field: “It’s nice that everything is going well so far this season. I had done a lot of flapping previously so I understood the riding part of the job but speaking with owners and trainers takes a bit of getting used to. Once you do get going, it’s grand.

“Communication is probably the biggest thing; having the confidence to go out and talk to people. We’ve been having a good start, though, and hopefully it all stays going in the right direction.”

Great advice

On his link-up with O’Brien, Stone-Walsh added: “All the best lads are in Joseph’s and that obviously makes it a good place to be. From the likes of Declan McDonogh, Dylan Browne McMonagle, Mikey Sheehy, Shane Crosse and so on, they’re all very helpful.

“You can ask them anything in terms of advice and they’re more than happy to steer you in the right direction.”

Stone-Walsh, who claims 7lb after partnering 13 winners under rules, sits fifth in the apprentice championship standings on nine winners - just five off Joey Sheridan and Luke McAteer at the summit. Could a title bid be on the cards this season?

“There are a few of us around the top of the championship who are in touch,” he said.

“If I got a good run of things over the coming weeks and months, maybe we could think about it at the far side of Galway.”

Family influence

Stone-Walsh cites his uncle Benny Walsh, the well-established point-to-point rider and handler, as a massive influence on him following this career path.

The teenager even suggested after a recent winner at Ballinrobe that he would relish a tilt at the La Touche Cup over the banks at Punchestown if his weight ever became an issue on the flat.

His uncle completed the full set of Punchestown Festival banks-race winners earlier this year when Vital Island won the La Touche.

“I would give [the La Touche] a go anyway,” said Stone-Walsh. “I did loads of schooling when I was younger but I’ll stay at the flat for as long as I can.

“What got me into racing was probably watching Benny; following the races and going to point-to-points to see him every Sunday. We had ponies at home too and my dad would have had some half-breds too. It was always something that had me interested.”