Next Generation
Name: Laura Costello
From: Quinn, Clare
It was a day to remember for Clare native Laura Costello as she was one of four riders to register their first winner on Sunday. Laura guided the family owned and trained Keep Me Posted to victory at Ballycahane in the five-year-old geldings maiden. It was only a matter of time before Laura carried on the long standing point-to-point tradition in the family.
How did you get started with horses?
My father Dermot, and his brothers have been involved in horses all of their lives. I started riding ponies when I was very young. I did a lot of hunting with the County Clare Hunt and I enjoyed showjumping ponies until I was 16. I started riding out for my Uncle Tom when I was still in school. Growing up I would have ridden out for my uncles who all live locally.
Did you always want to take out your Qualified Riders License?
I always enjoyed riding ponies, but I missed some time riding when I went abroad to England for college. After my studies, I rode out for Wilson Dennison and Colin McKeever when I was living in Belfast. As a result, I was later than most getting started race riding, so I was delighted to get my first winner on one of our own horses.
Who are you currently working for?
I ride out at home with my dad and sisters every morning. I would also ride out for my uncles when needed. I work part-time as a pharmacist so I try to juggle both.
Do you ride out for anyone else?
I spent some time in Enda Bolger’s yard one or two days a week at one stage, which was a great experience. Currently, I ride out for Aengus King whenever I can and I would ride work or school for my neighbours Paul and John O’Neill, who have great schooling facilities.
How did you come about riding out for them?
I contacted Enda about riding out for him. Enda himself is one of the all-time leading amateurs of his day and he is always trying to help people improve their riding, especially over jumps.
Aengus King lives locally and he’s given me a few rides on the track which were great. Paul and John O’Neill have also given me rides on the racecourse.
I’m very grateful to everyone who has given me rides, as all the experience counts.
Are you from a racing background?
Yes, my father Dermot, and my uncles John, Tom, Adrian and Tony all rode winners between the flags. Dad and Tom won two point-to-point championships each, riding more than 200 winners. My late grandfather Tom Costello produced some successful horses who largely started their careers in younger maidens. He sold on six Cheltenham Gold Cup winners and he also trained the 1973 Irish Grand National winner, Tartan Ace.
You must have been delighted to get your first winner on the board, can you tell me a bit more about it?
Keep Me Posted is a five-year-old by Shirocco out of a Presenting mare. We bought him as a yearling and produced him ourselves. He was always a straightforward horse at home, and we were hopeful he would run well. He was always a good jumper, he travelled strongly and he stayed on well. He was a promising third the first day he ran, and thankfully he tried hard for me.
Were your family there to there to see you ride your first winner?
My mother Claire owns him, my father and my Uncle Tom train him and my sisters Jenny, Sarah and Emily ride out the young horses every day at home so it was a memorable family success.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
My father Dermot was a successful amateur jockey, who won two point-to-point championships in 1989 and 1996. He has a great knowledge of racing and is always trying to help me improve my riding. His advice is invaluable.
Obviously I also look up to riders like Rachael Blackmore, Aine O’Connor, Liz Lalor and Maxine O’Sullivan to name just a few top lady riders.
Have you any ambitions for the rest of the season?
I would like to continue riding as much as I can and hopefully I might get more rides on the track if the opportunity arises.
Have you any interests outside of racing?
I used to play camogie and Gaelic football with my club Clooney-Quin underage. I would still have an interest in GAA and most sports in general.
Are there any young up and coming riders you think we should be looking out for?
My younger sister Emily Costello has recently taken out her license. She is quite determined and hopefully she’ll get her turn in the near future.
My two cousins Conor and Thomas Costello are also riding in point-to-points.
With the Cheltenham Festival coming up next week is there any horse or race you are looking forward to watching?
I would love to see Rachael and Honeysuckle continue their winning streak in the Champion Hurdle. However, if there had to be another winner, I would love to see Appreciate It in the winner’s enclosure. My father bought him as a foal and sold him as a store.
