Name: Ross Sugrue
From: Tralee, Co. Kerry
First Winner: Lesssaidthebetter
How did you get started with horses?
We always had horses at home, my dad always had racehorses and hunters and I started hunting at around seven.
We lived by the top of Tom Cooper's gallop and I started riding out a bit for Tom before I went pony racing when I was around 12.
How many rides have you had?
I’ve had about 50 point-to-point rides and about 15 to 20 rides on the track, so my first winner was a long time coming.
What is your first racing memory?
My first winner was probably my best racing memory so far, but I also have good memories of watching Derek O’Connor and Bryan Cooper winning in Cheltenham when I was still in school. I said to myself I would love to be there one day!
Does anyone else in your family ride?
My sister Ava rides out for Tom [Cooper]. She rode pony racing and had a big winner in Dingle a few years back and she will probably get her license out soon.
Who are you primarily based with?
I am mainly based with Donnchadh Doyle, but I also ride out for Sean Doyle and Cormac Doyle and then I ride a few for Eammon Doyle in the evenings. They are all very good to me and I have a lot to thank them for.
Were any of your family there on the day?
My dad was down from Kerry and we had a great celebration after.
How did the ride on Lesssaidthebetter come about?
I rang Philip Rothwell on the Tuesday when entries came out and he rang me back on the Wednesday and said I could ride him, so it was nice to get the winner for him!
I would say Philip will go for a winners' race with him now.
I would say Philip will go for a winners' race with him now.
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What is your favourite track to ride around?
It would have to be Ballinaboola now after having my first winner there, it’s a lovely track and of course Tralee is a good track - my home track!
What is the best horse you have ever ridden in a race or just riding out?
It would have to be Forpadydeplasterer for Tom Cooper, I used to get to ride him out and go racing with him sometimes.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
To keep getting rides and get the ball rolling with a few more winners.
Would you ever like to turn conditional or stay amateur?
I think I would stay amateur but if I was to ever get lighter and the opportunity arose I could in the future.
Do you have any interests outside of racing?
I like football, I used to play when I was younger but I gave it up for the horses. I would always watch the All-Ireland especially when Kerry are in it.
Is there another young rider that you think people should watch out for?
Sean O’Rourke and Mikey Tobin are to to keep an eye on . I work with them, and they are two very good riders coming up through the ranks.
Any horses you are looking forward to watching any point-to-point graduates in their future careers?
Welcom To Cartries, he is by No Risk At All and he won well at Borris House in December for Donnchadh. I think he is a very good horse, and he will be one to watch out for!
