Tiernan Power Roche is our latest novice rider to feature in our next generation section. From Co. Wexford, twenty-year-old Tiernan rode his first point-to-point winner of the season on Sunday at Killeagh aboard Illtellmema for John Martin Walsh.
Tiernan rode his first winner between the flags at Kinsale in 2016 as well as enjoying victory aboard Nothern Beau at Rathcannon last May.
Name: Tiernan Power Roche
Age: 20
Area: Lingstown
How did you become involved in racing?
I always enjoyed riding ponies from a young age and I was a member of the Killinick Pony Club before hunting with them every season as well as representing them in hunt chases. On my school holidays I rode out in a couple of different racing yards and really enjoyed it so I decided I wanted to get my licence. Before school I used to go into Jim Cousins and then at the weekends I would go to Liz Doyles. Since I finished in school I have ridden out for William Codd and Brian Jordan.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
To keep your head down and keep going forward by always seeing what you can improve on.
What's your favourite course?
My local point-to-point course is Lingstown where I would have always gone to when I was growing up. I also enjoy Rathcannon as a track as well.
What's your favourite sport outside racing?
I used to play GAA but I don’t have as much time any more so I try and go swimming to keep my fitness levels right.
Give us a horse to watch out for?
I have a filly with Emma Cousins by Jeremy who we hope to run this spring. Brian Jordan who I ride out for each day also has a nice Yeats filly for this season that has been showing us a good bit.
What was the best day of your racing life?
It is definitely riding my first winner at Kinsale aboard Cidersall. I had actually bought the mare from my cousin so it was great that I could get the win on her.
Who’s your biggest influence?
Benny Walsh has been a great help to me over the years. From bringing me schooling to giving me advice with my riding he has always looked out for me.
What improvements would you like to see to in point-to-points?
I think there has been great improvements made with the number of novice rider races each season and it helps a lot of lads in my position to get your name recognised.
Ambitions for this season?
I would like to try and get as many rides as possible throughout the season and get a few more winners on the board.
To read about some of our other featured riders this season click on the link below.
Tiernan Power Roche, who was in the winners enclosure at Killeagh on Sunday, is the latest Novice Rider to feature in our Next Gen section. Read about Tiernan here: https://t.co/zJxKKUAvDe pic.twitter.com/QHwZ4kGKPu
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) January 16, 2018
