Jack Hogan is our latest novice rider to feature in our next generation section. From Co. Cavan, nineteen-year-old Jack rode his first point-to-point winner of his career on Sunday at Nenagh aboard Lady Writer for his second cousin Denis Hogan, who he works full-time with.
Jack has had seven rides to date in point-to-points and has also finished third aboard Barna Gallery at Templenacarriga in December.
Name: Jack Hogan
Age: 19
Area: Ballinagh
How did you become involved in racing?
I always enjoyed riding ponies from a young age and I competed in hunter trials as well hunting each Sunday with the Leitrim Harriers until I was old enough to start riding in pony races. I rode in pony races for four seasons and had a couple of ponies of my own.
When I was able to start riding out I went to Shane Donohue’s and from there I spent some time in RACE during 2015 and 2016. During my time in RACE I worked for James Nash on The Curragh.
What's your favourite course?
Nenagh is definitely my favourite course so far having ridden my first winner there. I had my first ride at Dromahane in November which is a lovely track to ride at also.
What's your favourite sport outside racing?
I used to play hurling for my local club at home, St.Felims, but I don’t have as much time any more so I try and go to the gym as much as I can to keep my fitness levels right. I also have two hunters of my own and when I am free I hunt with the Leitrim Harriers.
Give us a horse to watch out for?
Denis has a lovely bunch of four and five-year-olds for this spring so I am really excited about some of those.
What was the best day of your racing life?
It is definitely riding my first winner at Nenagh aboard Lady Writer. I ride her out most days at Denis’ and I have schooled her since she’s been with us so I know her very well at this stage.
Who’s your biggest influence?
Shane Donoghue and Denis have been a great help to me since. Derek O’Connor has always given me loads of help too from when I was in RACE and also this season now that I am riding in point-to-points.
What improvements would you like to see to in point-to-points?
I think it would be great if there could be regional league for novice riders throughout the season.
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.
From the hunting fields with the Leitrim Harriers to the winners enclosure at Nenagh on Sunday. Jack Hogan is the latest rider in our NEXTGEN Q&A feature.
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) January 30, 2018
READ IT HERE: https://t.co/HEmzXK0JeC pic.twitter.com/qNAbuSdtn8