Next Generation | Rider
It was certainly a red-letter day for Meath native Cathal McCormack who steered home his first winner last Sunday at Dowth Hall, on what was just his first attempt between-the-flags. Nigel Slevin provided the rider with a fantastic opportunity aboard Mr Boss Man, who duly obliged in the novice riders open.
From a hunting background, the Leaving Cert student has made a great start to his riding career and pays a lot of credit to the role played by his uncle Thomas Coyle.
Name: Cathal McCormack
Age: 17
From: Dunshaughlin, County Meath
Are you from a racing background?
I’m not really from a racing background but my uncle Thomas Coyle is a trainer, so that got me interested.
How did you get started then in racing?
I have been hunting since I was eight, and then as I got older I began riding out with Thomas, he works for Eddie Cawley and then does his own in the afternoons.
Where are you based now?
I am still doing my Leaving Cert, so I ride out at weekends and on school holidays, I go into Eddie Cawley’s in the morning and then give Thomas a hand in the afternoon.
You don’t have your licence that long, but you have had a couple of rides on the track?
I had two rides in bumpers last spring for Thomas on a mare called Why Stop Now, I just got my point-to-point licence a couple of weeks ago and I had two rides then last Sunday at Dowth.
To get off the mark at the first time of asking must have been a great buzz. Talk us through the day, how did you get the ride and were your family there to see it?
Thomas and Nigel Slevin who trains Mr Boss Man, would be friendly so that’s how I got the ride on the horse. I was hopeful beforehand and everything went to plan. All my family were there and it is one of our local tracks so it was a great day.
You had a second ride later in the day that ran well too?
Yeah I rode Askance for Thomas later on, he ran well to finish fourth and I will hopefully keep the ride on him.
What are your ambitions now for the season?
There are a few point-to-pointers in the yard and I am hoping to pick up a few rides throughout the year.
Have you longer term plans for the future?
I think I might take a year out when I finish school and give riding a go, I’ll see after that, it depends how things work out.
Who has been your biggest influence in racing or who would you look up to?
Growing up I would have looked up to lads like Keith Donoghue, he does a lot of hunting as well and we are from the same area. Thomas has given me a lot of advice as well.
Do you do any sport outside of racing?
I play gaelic football and hurling. I was on the U16’s county football team, but I gave it up this year for the horses.
Any horses we should be watching out for then?
Askance ran well the last day and hopefully he can pick up a race in the future for myself and Tom.
Is there a trainer you think might be up and coming?
Thomas does well with the horses he has, he has eight or nine in and should have a good season.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Just to ride your own race really.
Watch the video below to see Cathal ride his first winner aboard Mr Boss Man.
Next Generation | Rider - Cathal McCormack
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) October 30, 2018
It was a day to remember for seventeen-year-old Cathal McCormack, who rode his first winner at @dowthp2p last Sunday, on just his first ride between-the-flags. Read the full story here %u27A1%uFE0F https://t.co/nTMGx489bu pic.twitter.com/85DzGUHzEI
