NEXT GEN | Sean O'Rourke

Name:  Sean O’Rourke

Age: 21

From: Ballybeg, Wexford

First Winner: Old Style Humour

 
Sean O'Rourke had his first point-to-point ride at Lingstown in November 2021 aboard the Robert James trained Champagne Glory. He then went on to ride his first point-to-point winner in March 2023 aboard the well known Sean Doyle trained - Old Style Humour, a horse that has given many young riders their first winners.

 
How did you get started with horses?

I am from a farming background, we would have cows and sheep at home but my parents had a few horses growing up and my grandad used to have a few racehorses, some of my cousins also had racehorses and kept the odd broodmare.

My Grandfather used to take me to point-to-points  when I was small and I always used to watch it on the TV with him. It was from there I really got into the racing.

I started riding when I was seven or eight, I used to do some hunting, and then when I was around fifteen a good friend of mine, Jim Black, his family had a few racehorses at home so I started riding out with him.

My first full time job was with Richie Rath, I was there for about a year and then I spent a summer up in Jessica Harringtons.

Who are you based  with now?

I ride out six mornings for Cormac Doyle and then I am with Gearoid Doyle, Cormac's brother in the evenings. Cormac, Sean [Doyle] and Gearoid are all based beside one another so we all work together a lot.  

 
What is your favourite track to ride around?

I quite like Borris, we go schooling down there sometimes and I really like Lingstown.

 
What is the plan for Old Style Humour going forward?

Sean and Cormac keep Old Style Humour for everyone in the yard to give people their first rides, he has been great for us all and he will probably run in a few more points and then he could possibly do a bit of Hunter Chasing at the end of the season


What are your ambitions for the rest of the season and do you think you would ever turn Conditional?

I'd just like to get as many rides as I can and if I got another winner that would be great too. I'd like to ride a good few more seasons pointing and I could possibly turn conditional but I really enjoy the pointing so I am not even thinking about it as of now - a few more winners is all that is on the radar at the moment!

I wouldn't mind getting some rides in bumpers and amateur flat races during the summer, I usually stay around doing breakers but i wouldn't mind doing the odd day somewhere that I could possibly get those opportunities.

Who would be your biggest influence in racing?

I ride out with Jack Hendrick and Jamie Scallan, they always help me out and give me loads of tips. I would have looked up to Davy Russell as a professional rider.

 
Do you have any interests outside of racing?

When I am not riding or working I like to go and help out at home on my parents farm.


Is there another young rider that you think people should watch out for?

Jim Black has just started riding and he looks to be a lovely rider, he was unlucky to be beaten on Old Style Humour in Tinhely last month and then also Ross Sugrue, he is a great rider and he also had his first winner this season.