Image © Healy Racing
Name: Luke Kelleher
Age: 23
From: Macroom, County Cork
What is your background in horses?
My Dad Mike always had horses so I was brought up with them. Dad had point-to-pointers and horses running on the track so I was born into it really. I did a lot of hunting with the Muskerry and Carbery Hunts. My mum also has an interest and has been going racing for over 40 years now. I have two older sisters, my sister Lucy is a vet and my sister Abigail would ride out at home.
I have done a lot of harness racing. I have over 60 winners at the harness racing. Dad has done harness racing for years, since he was my age, so we always had a few good harness racing horses so I started doing that. I started riding in the saddle in harness racing when I was about 15-years-old and then I started racing on the carts. I travelled to France one summer to represent Ireland in an amateur race there. It has always been something to do in the summer when the point-to-points are quiet.
We race mainly in West Cork. The ground has to be firm so there’s a good few fields down there. There used to be a hard track in Portmarnock but that’s gone now. There’s a hard track up the north in Annaghmore so we travel up there too. It’s a great sport to take part in during the summer.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
It was one at home, but I was fierce young so can’t remember the name. Dad would put me up on everything when I was younger. I’d say I was two or three when I was first sat up on a horse.
Where do you work full-time?
I graduated from Cork MTU with a degree in Electrical Engineering last year. I work shift work, four days on then four days off so I spend my days off riding out.
I ride out at home for dad and Gerry, then I go up to Enda Bolger’s a day a week and I also go to Niall Kelleher’s one day a week.
How did the ride on Loyal Praetorian come about?
I was working last Tuesday and dad wanted to go away with a few horses to work them. I wasn’t able to go, so told him to get someone else to ride them schooling. Cal Shine actually schooled him so was ringing dad all last week looking for the ride, but sure I couldn’t get jocked off when dad owned the horse! Dad said there’d be war if I didn’t get to ride him! I didn’t get to school him but I do ride him out most days.
It was great to get a winner on my seventh ride, I’ve been lucky to get a few rides so far from my uncle Gerry, Dad and Niall Kelleher. Niall is no relation, but a very good friend of my dad’s. Dad put him under a bit of pressure to give me a ride! He’s been great to be fair.
Were you expecting Loyal Praetorian to run well?
It was his first time out. Dad always liked him at home, he rides a lot of work on him. To be honest, I thought he would run well, but wasn’t expecting him to win.
Did you get some kick out of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was unreal, I’m still buzzing from it. It was a way better buzz than the harness winners.
Were your family and friends there on the day?
My mum, dad, uncle Gerry and sisters were there. My sister Abigail plaited him up and my sister Lucy led him up. We all went out for a meal after racing for a quiet celebration.
Because I used to hunt with the Carberys, I knew a rake of people there. There was a great atmosphere.
Do you know what the plan is for Loyal Praetorian now?
We will see how he comes out of his race. I’m not really sure what’s next. We might go for a winner of one or he could run in a point-to-point bumper. No plans in motion just yet.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
I always wanted to ride but I had an agreement with my mother that I wouldn’t take out my jockey’s license until after I graduated and had a degree behind me. Now I can concentrate on the riding.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
I suppose my main influence is dad He has taught me lots. He’s good for instruction and gives me plenty of criticism too.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Enda Bolger is also fierce good, he has helped me a lot tidy up my riding style. Working in Enda’s is unreal, it has really brushed up my jumping skills.
Tom Lombard always rings me after my races and we go through the race and he gives me tips. Tom actually rode for dad in his younger days and they are the best of friends.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I don’t really have time for anything other than the horses. I never really played any sports growing up, I had no interest in it.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Just to get my name out there and try to get a few more winners.
Do you want to add anything else?
I have to thank dad and Gerry and the part-owners Richard and Clare Newell for letting me have the ride and everyone else who has supported me along the way.
As a bonus for talented new point-to-point riders who feature in p2p.ie series of NextGen articles, Dungar Quality Oats will sponsor a special draw where one of the riders will win a cash prize of €500. All NextGen featured jockeys who have ridden their first point-to-point winner will be automatically entered into this draw. The draw will be conducted and prize winner announced at the end of the point-to-point season.
