Image © Healy Racing
Name: Nicole Lockhead Anderson
Age: 23
From: Cashel, County Tipperary
How did you get involved with horses?
I’ve always been around horses. My mum, Claire, show jumped when I was growing up, so I got into it through her. Riding is all I've ever known - before I could even walk, I was sitting on ponies!
I've jumped at a couple of five-star shows in the past, and I had some great jobs and have ridden a lot of nice horses. I used to work for Holly Smith and Tom Williams.
I’m originally from Aberdeen in Scotland, but left home at 16 to follow my dream to work with horses and I only hunted for the first time when I was about 19-years-old, that is when I got the idea that I wanted to get more into racing.
I’m originally from Aberdeen in Scotland, but left home at 16 to follow my dream to work with horses and I only hunted for the first time when I was about 19-years-old, that is when I got the idea that I wanted to get more into racing.
About three years ago, I got a point-to-pointer and had a few rides in England while I was still working in show jumping. I loved the buzz of it and decided I wanted to give it a proper go. I was riding out for David Phelan, and he suggested I move to Ireland to work for Sam Curling, so that’s how I ended up here.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
It was a horse I bought myself and put into training called Fox Valley.
Where do you work full-time?
I’m based full-time with Sam Curling at Skehanagh Stables. I started there in September 2024.
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How did the ride on Longhouse Star come about?
He was in the yard, and Sam owned him. He just said I could ride him, that’s really how it came about!
Were you expecting Longhouse Star to run well?
Yeah, he’d been going well at home. Lucy Doyle rides him a lot and said he was in great form, so we were hopeful he’d run a good race. He just needed the run when he pulled-up at Portrush on his previous outing.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
Oh, it was amazing - such a buzz! He was class, he jumped and travelled great, and it was just a really nice spin.
Were your family there on the day?
No, they didn’t come over from Scotland, but they were all watching the replay and delighted.
Do you know what the plan is for Longhouse Star now?
I think he’ll move up into opens, and we’ll keep running him away and see how he goes.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
Not really at the start! It probably started when I went hunting and rode in a hunt race called the Melton. I just loved the buzz, and that’s when I decided to get my licence and buy a pointer.
How have you found the switch from show jumping to point-to-points?
It’s a big change. A very different style of riding, but I think my show jumping background helps. It gives you a good grounding for balance and control, but there was definitely a bit of adjusting to do!
Have you had any rides on the track?
Yes, Sam has given me a couple of track spins in a ladies race and a QR race. Sam has been brilliant, he is really good at giving his staff plenty of opportunities.
What has been your most memorable day in racing so far?
I was very lucky last year to lead up Wonderwall at Cheltenham. That’s definitely one of my proudest moments so far.
Wonderwall is in great shape and we are really looking forward to the season ahead with him.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Everyone looks up to Rachael Blackmore, of course, but I’d say Philip Enright has helped me a lot. He comes into Sam’s a few days a week, and he’s been brilliant for advice and support.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Definitely Sam, Philip, and Derek O’Connor, who’s great if I ever need help or have questions. They’ve all played a massive part in helping me improve.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
No, not really. It’s all racing now! I don’t even show jump anymore. I stopped because it’s such a different style of riding, but I don’t miss it.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Just to keep improving, get more rides, and keep learning. It’s really my first proper year of riding after a few spins in England, so I just want to give it my all and see where it takes me.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d just like to thank Sam Curling, David Phelan, and everyone at Skehanagh Stables for all their help and support. It’s a small team, but we all work together, and it’s a great place to be.
I’d just like to thank Sam Curling, David Phelan, and everyone at Skehanagh Stables for all their help and support. It’s a small team, but we all work together, and it’s a great place to be.
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. A
ll 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.
ll 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.
