Image © Healy Racing
Name: Jake Pratt
Age: 18
From: Conna, County Cork
How did you get involved with horses?
My late grandfather, Seamus Spillane, trained horses at home, so I was always around them growing up. My mother Ashling wouldn’t really have been into horses - she actually tried to keep me away from them! But all my uncles rode. Dinny, Mark, Mossy and James, I grew up watching them and I’d be in awe of them riding winners. That’s what made me want to do it.
My father, Joe, has a broodmare at home called Cloth Fair and we’ve bred a few good horses from her. Cloth Cap would be the best she’s produced, and she’s also bred winners like Brideswell Lad, Liosduin Bhearna and Accidental Legend, so there were always foals around and horses coming and going. It was just normal life for me.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
It was one of the quiet veteran horses my grandfather trained called Wrong Direction. I was about 12 at the time. I’d been riding ponies before that, but that would’ve been my first time sitting up on a proper racehorse.
Where do you work full-time?
I finished my Leaving Cert to keep my mother happy, although books were never really for me.
I’m with Derek O’Connor full-time since August, just before the start of this season. I’m living down there in a house with a few of the other lads from the yard. Derek’s been very good to me. He gives everyone equal opportunities and we all try to work together as a team.
In the afternoons I might school for a few local trainers like Brian McMahon, John Staunton and Norman Lee if I’m free. Before going to Derek’s, I worked for Declan Queally for about a year and a half and I was with Sean Aherne before that.
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How did the ride on Stepitoutmary come about?
My older sister Leanne is engaged to Johnny Fitzgerald, who trains her. I was going down helping him out and started schooling and riding work for him. The mare had run a few times and hadn’t shown much and they were nearly going to get rid of her.
Leanne said they might as well give me a spin on her. I rode her in Dungarvan and she finished third and improved a lot. She ran well again in Knockanard, which is one of the toughest tracks in Ireland, and finished third again. Then we went to Ballycahane.
Were you expecting Stepitoutmary to run well?
I had a bit of a feeling, to be honest. I didn’t say it to anyone, but she was improving every run and her jumping was getting better. After about two miles I knew I had a horse under me and that I was in with a chance.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
Coming to the last I had just gone past Alan O’Sullivan, and I saw Jamesy Murphy’s horse jump out to the right and make a mistake. Once I jumped the last my mind just went blank. I can barely remember the run-in and I’m fairly sure I stood up before the line. It was unbelievable.
Were your family there on the day?
My two sisters were there and my uncle Dinny came to see me ride because he hadn’t seen me race before. That meant a lot. My mother was heading to a concert and my father thought the rain would be bad so he didn’t travel, so they missed it, but they were delighted afterwards.
Derek was also there and was one of the first to congratulate me in the parade ring afterwards.
My grandfather passed away in January 2023 and he was a massive influence on me. I’d always dreamed of riding a winner in front of him, but I’d say he was looking down on me that day.
Do you know what the plan is for Stepitoutmary now?
We’ll see how she is during the week, but hopefully she might head for the GAIN Mares’ Final if everything goes well.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
Yes. From a young age it was all I ever wanted to do. I just had a big passion for it. I said I’d start amateur, get a few years’ experience and see how things go.
I’m pretty light and if things are working out and I’m getting rides and winners, maybe the conditional route could come later.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
My uncles and my grandfather. Growing up watching them train and ride winners made me want to do the same.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Derek would be the main one. After every race I’ll ask him to watch it back with me and tell me what I did wrong and what I did right. He’s very honest and always trying to help you improve.
The other lads in the yard are very good too. Eoin Mahon and Diarmuid Moloney would always help you out and point you in the right direction if you’re unsure about something.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I used to play a bit of GAA when I was younger, but now it’s mainly horses. Riding out every day keeps you fit and I’d go to the gym with the lads sometimes as well.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
I’m still young and still learning, so it’s just about getting as many rides as I can and gaining experience. Hopefully the winners will come with that.
Do you want to add anything else?
Just a big thanks to Derek O’Connor for everything he’s taught me and to Johnny Fitzgerald for giving me the opportunity on Stepitoutmary and helping me get into Derek’s yard in the first place.
Just a big thanks to Derek O’Connor for everything he’s taught me and to Johnny Fitzgerald for giving me the opportunity on Stepitoutmary and helping me get into Derek’s yard in the first place.
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.
