Next Gen | Toni Quail

Name: Toni Quail
Age: 22
Area: Enniscorthy, Co Wexford 

 

 

Quail is no stranger to the winner's enclosure when first tasting success when winning the Eventers Challenge race at Dundalk in 2018 aboard the Kevin O'Donnell-trained Bobeska. 

Are you from a racing background?

I have always been around horses.  I have done plenty of eventing and have competed at International Level.  I was on the European Junior team in 2016 and on the European Young Riders team in 2018 and 2019. 

I still do eventing and keep my horse with Ann Lambert.  I actually just finished outside the top 10 at the last Ballindenisk International at two star level. 

How did you get started in racing?

When I was younger I used to love the pony club games, I just loved the speed factor and have always had an interest in racing. 

I very fortunately got the opportunity to ride in the Eventers Challenge race at Dundalk which I ended up winning. The race held to raise funds for the Irish Eventing High-Performance Squads and the senior athletes journey to the World Equestrian Games.

Kevin O'Donnell very kindly supplied me with my horse, I am very friendly with his daughter Christine who I have evented with. That really kick started my interest in race riding.

Where are you based at the moment?

I started riding out in Brian Hamilton's and decided that I needed a change.  

The Wexford handlers seem to know their stuff, that’s where all the winners were coming from, so a friend of mine suggested going into James and Ellen Doyle's, and I have loved it from day one.  I love all the schooling and riding out on the beach. 
 

Have you ridden out for anyone else to date?

I try to do as much schooling as I can, I have ridden out for a couple of different people including Peter Croke and Sarah Dawson.
 

Can you tell me about one of your earliest racing memories?

When I was younger I used to always go racing with my father to Downpatrick which is our local track.
 

You were delighted with your win on One For The Yard on Saturday?

I was delighted to ride my first winner on Saturday on One For The Yard. I know the horse really well as I ride him out every day. 

What’s the plan with One For The Yard now?

He is going to go for a winners' race in two weeks time. 
 

Have you ambitions for this season?

I would like to ride as many winners as I can and I would love to win the Ladies Title. 

What is your favourite track to ride at?

I would have to say Loughanmore! It was actually my first time to ride at Loughanmore on Saturday, I thought it was a lovely, fine, big galloping track. 
 

What do you think about the opportunities for novice rider’s in point-to-pointing?

I there are plenty of opportunities for young riders these days.  There are plenty of races for us to take part in. 

How about another rider you think might be up-and-coming?

Susie Doyle is a good friend of mine and is doing well.  It was great to see her ride a winner also on Saturday at Ballycrystal.
 

Who has been your greatest influence in racing?

Declan Lavery, he has been a big help to me.  When I first started he gave me loads of advice when we were riding work and when I rode in bumpers he would have walked the track with me also. 
 

Do you play any sport outside of racing?

I don’t have much time for anything else other than point-to-pointing and eventing.  I used to have two horses to go eventing but I didn’t have time to do both so now Ellie Humphreys has taken one to go show jumping.

How do you relax away from racing?

Go for a run, if I find the time!