Next Generation
Name: Andrew Burke Ott
Age: 18
From: Boherbue, Co Cork
It was a day to remember for Cork native Andrew Burke on Sunday, as he registered his first winner between the flags at Lisronagh. Andrew partnered his father, Alexander Burke’s Zela Bella to victory in the Knockanglass Stables, Orchardstown Stud and Gain Equine Nutrition 5&6 y/o Mares Maiden.
How did you get started with horses?
My mother and father always had horses; my father trained point-to-pointers since I was young. My father used to ride out and go hunting.
Unfortunately, he had a bad accident a few years ago, so he now just trains.
I had ponies since I was about 10 or 11 and I did a lot of hunting with the Duhallow Hunt. I also did a lot of pony racing growing up and I rode 3 winners on the pony racing circuit.
How did you start riding out racehorses?
I started riding out racehorses when I was around 13, I started riding out my father’s horses.
I then started riding out for Michael Winters who is my neighbour.
Did you always want to take out your Qualified Riders License?
Yes, that was always the plan to take out my point-to-point license. If the weight would allow, I’d like to get a few rides on the track in the summer.
I’d like to take out my handler’s permit in the future.
Are you from a racing background?
Yes, just my father trains point-to-pointers. My mother runs a riding school.
Who are you currently working or riding out for?
I’m currently riding out for my father and Michael Winters. I also split my time with Paul Flynn, Marie Harding and Turlough O’Connor.
I’ve finished school now, so I’m riding out and working full time.
You must have been delighted to get your first winner on the board, can you tell me a bit more about it?
She’s a mare we train ourselves. I rode her in my first few rides point-to-pointing last year, she got me started and we left her off then for a break.
She’s only back in six weeks or so it was a nice surprise that she was fit enough to win! Hopefully, there will be more to come from her now this season as she’s strengthened up a lot.
Were your family there to there to see you ride your first winner?
My brother, Luke led me up on the day which was great. He’s still in school but he rides out every morning with me.
My father was also there to see me ride my first winner.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
My father has got me started, taking me pony racing when I was younger. He’s been a big help to me growing up.
Are there any up-and-coming jockeys you think we should be keeping an eye out for?
Danny Fitzgerald, he’s a good young rider.
Any jockeys that you aspire to?
Chris O’Donovan, he rides out in a few yards with me, and his help has been invaluable.
Have you any ambitions for the rest of the season?
I started riding last year and I was hoping I’d ride one winner and I’d try and double it every year, but the COVID pandemic scuppered those plans slightly.
So, I’m hoping to ride three this year to make up for it!
Have you any interests outside of racing?
I still like to go hunting when I have the chance.
With the Grand National coming up next week, who’s your idea of the winner?
Delta Work would be my tip, he’s a safe enough bet!
