Image © Healy Racing
Name: Leon Cullen
Age: 17
From: Piercestown, County Wexford
How did you get involved with horses?
There wouldn’t really have been a big racing background at home, but we always had horses around the place – just ponies and half-breds. My cousin Willie Byrne, who was a flat jockey, helped spark my interest in racing and from there it all grew.
When I was 11 or 12 years old I rang Richard Rath and asked if I could come in and ride out. I spent around 10 months with him and that’s where it all really started for me.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
The first racehorse I sat on was a horse called Larkfield Legacy in Richie Rath’s. I remember the first time I went around the gallop I actually forgot to tighten my girth, so that was a bit of an experience!
Where do you work full-time?
I’ve been working for Robert Tector for the last three years. I’ve learned plenty from him in that time. My cousin Willie Byrne works there as well and he helped get me the job.
Have you gained experience elsewhere?
I spent a few weeks in Jim Bolger’s and also spent a couple of months with Willie Mullins last summer. I learned so much from both places and would love to go back to Willie’s in the future as it was an amazing place to work.
How did the ride on Supreme Force come about?
I had been riding him out at home and I got on very well with him. When the entries came out Rob said he would try and get me on him and thankfully it worked out that way.
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Were you expecting Supreme Force to run well?
We did fancy him going into the race. Everything had gone well at home and he had been working well, but you’re always hoping nothing goes wrong on the day.
Did the race go to plan?
The plan was to jump off and be handy, but they went a bit quick early on so I dropped him in behind them. He travelled and jumped really well throughout and when he winged the third-last I felt it was my race to lose.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was a brilliant feeling. My family have backed me from the start so it was great to ride my first winner in front of them. It was also a big relief because you’re always wondering when that first one will come.
Were your family there on the day?
Yes, my mam Michelle was there along with my stepfather, my grandparents, my brother and sister and a few cousins as well, so there was a good crowd there which made it even more special.
Do you know what the plan is for Supreme Force now?
That will be up to the owner and Rob. There’s a price tag on him so he could be sold, but I’d love if he stayed around and I got the chance to ride him again in a winners’ race.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
Yes, from a young age I always wanted to be a jockey. When you’re young you look up to riders like Ruby Walsh and hope you might get the chance yourself someday.
Any plans to turn conditional?
My weight is fairly good – I’m only about 8st 10lbs most mornings. The plan would be to take out a conditional licence down the line, but I’m happy enough with what I’m doing at the moment. I’m learning plenty every day and just trying to listen to the right people.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
You’d look up to the top riders like Jack Kennedy and Paul Townend, but the lads that come into the yard like Jamie Scallan, Jack Hendrick and Barry Stone are very good as well. You learn a lot from watching them.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
My cousin Willie has always been very helpful and I’d often speak to him for advice. Rob Tector has also been a big support and I’m learning plenty from him every day.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I love GAA and I play hurling with St Martin’s which I really enjoy. It’s good to have something outside of racing as well.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Just to keep learning, take the opportunities when they come and hopefully ride a few more winners.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d like to thank Rob Tector and also Ger Flynn and his family for giving me the opportunity to ride for them. I’d also like to thank Willie Byrne for all the help he has given me along the way, and my family who have supported me from the start and driven me the length and breadth of the country. I really appreciate it.
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.
