Andrew Walsh is our latest rider to feature in our next generation section.
From Co. Wexford, 18-year-old Andrew began riding in point-to-points last season and enjoyed his first winner at Largy last April aboard the Ashleigh Murphy-trained Better Be Quick. Andrew, who is currently studying to do his Leaving Certificate in Bridgetown College, teamed up with the now 12-year-old to register a second success at Inchydoney in May.
Andrew was in the winner’s enclosure on Sunday at Durrow when he steered his own mare, Rainbows At Dawn to victory in the seven-year-old-and-upwards mares’ maiden.
Name: Andrew Walsh
Age: 18
Area: Rathangan
How did you become involved in racing?
My father Michael has always kept broodmares and hunters at home so I grew up with horses from a young age.
When I was about eight or nine my cousin started up a riding school and I started to get riding lessons there every weekend and loved it from the start.
When I was 11 I then started to help John Walsh at the weekends and during my school holidays. From there I then started with Ashleigh and Michael Murphy when I was 15 and since then I have spent any of my holidays as well as my weekends there.
I have learned a lot from the Murphy’s as they have young stock, sales horses and point-to-pointers so it has given me a good base with all sides of it.
What's your favourite course?
It has to be my local track at Lingstown. Hopefully I will ride a winner there some day.
What was the best day of your racing life?
Riding my first winner at Largy was a memorable day especially as it was for Ashleigh and Michael who have been very good to me and given me loads of chances.
Sunday was also a great day as well as I also own Rainbows At Dawn. Mark Scallan has her for me and I ride her out in the afternoons after school.
Do you do any sport outside of racing?
I enjoy football and hurling and play for my local club in Rathangan. St. Annes. I also hunt as much as I can with the Killinick Harriers during the winter.
Who’s your biggest influence?
Both Mark Scallan and Gary Murphy have been a great help to me since I started riding and have given me loads of advice and tips.
What is one of your favourite racing memories?
I always enjoyed going to Lingstown point-to-point when I was growing up as you would always meet all of the other lads from the area.
What improvements would you like to see in point-to-pointing?
Its great there is more novice rider’s races during the season but I think it would be better if there could be more open and winners race for novice riders rather than just older maidens.
What are your plans for the future?
I am hoping to study Engineering after my Leaving Certificate so I would love to be able to keep riding in point-to-points while I am in college.
To read about some of our other featured riders this season click on the link below.
www.p2p.ie/content.php
Andrew Walsh had a day to remember on Sunday at Durrow where he steered his own Rainbows At Dawn to victory. The Co.Wexford native is our featured rider this week in our Next Generation.
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) March 27, 2018
READ THE FULL FEATURE: https://t.co/NJJmwcT59W pic.twitter.com/izhdnHlFE7
