Next Generation | Rider
Name: Jack Foley
Age: 20
Area: Bagenalstown,Carlow
Jack Foley is the latest rider to feature in our Next Generation feature following his first career success between the flags at Lingstown on Sunday aboard the Ellen Doyle-trained Acceptable Risk in the six-year-old and upwards geldings’ maiden.
The 20-year-old joined the Ellen Doyle yard just a month ago and is looking forward to building a successful relationship with the handler going forward after enjoying a great start.
Having been based with some well-known trainers over the last couple of years, Foley looks to be plenty of value for his five pound claim and could well be in more demand for novice rider races this season as he hopes to build on this initial career success.
Are you from a racing background?
No, I am not from a racing background at all, my parents would have a huge interest in show jumping and I suppose that’s where the interest in horses would of come from.
My grandfather always would have kept a few point-to-pointers so that’s where my interest in racing would have grown from.
How did you get started in racing?
When I was younger, I would have done quite a bit of hunting and cross country and then from when I was about 11 years old, I started getting into show jumping.
From the age of 14 or 15, I started riding out for Aidan Fitzgerald, who is only five minutes down the road from me, at weekends and when I was on my school holidays, and that’s where I got going.
I learned quite a lot while riding out for Aidan.
What is your earliest racing memory?
I remember going racing to Tinahely with my grandfather to watch an open horse he had called Bewley’s Best and I knew from then that I always wanted to be a jockey.
Where are you based at the moment?
I am currently based with Ellen and James Doyle at Baltimore Stables in Wexford, who I rode the winner for on Sunday. I started with her about a month ago, so it was great to get the opportunity to ride the horse as I haven’t been with her for that long. I also ride out for Aidan Fitzgerald a day or two during the week.
Have you ridden out for anyone else to date?
When I was 17, I went to ride out for Nicky Henderson for six months which was a great experience. When I came back from England, I rode out for Donnchadh Doyle for two years and he was the one who got me started in point-to-pointing.
I also rode out for Mick Goff for a bit and he gave me loads of opportunities when I was with him. During the summer I went back to England to ride out for Jonjo O’Neill which was another great bit of experience.
You were delighted with your win on Sunday?
It was relief to get off the mark and ride my first winner. I was told last week that I was going to be riding him, so I was delighted.
I thought he had a good chance as I had schooled him beforehand and I got a good feel off him, so I was fairly confident going into the race and thankfully he did what he was meant to, and he came home in front.
Have you ambitions for this season?
I would like to try and get a couple of more rides and ride a couple of more winners while staying injury free.
What do you think about the opportunities for novice rider’s in point-to-pointing?
The novice rider races are definitely a benefit as it helps riders get started, but it might be better if the races were a bit more spread out and they weren’t just confined to older maidens and open races.
If maybe they were open to winners races also it would give novice riders opportunities to ride in better races.
What is your favourite track to ride at?
Lingstown has been my favourite track to ride at to date as I had the winner there on Sunday.
How about another rider you think might be up-and-coming?
Conor Blake, who rides out for Aidan Fitzgerald.
Who has been your biggest influence in racing?
Shane Fitzgerald has been really good to me and so has Donnchadh Doyle, they both have been a good influence on my career.
Do you do any sport outside of racing?
No, I don’t do any other sport, but I would go to the gym a couple of nights a week.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Put your head down, work hard and you will get your chance.
