Next Generation
Name: Eoin Middleton
From: Birr, Co Offaly
It was a day to remember for 18-year-old Eoin Middleton who registered his first winner aboard the family-owned Well P for trainer Ellen Doyle on Sunday at Ballycrystal.
How did you get started in point-to-point racing, where did the interest in horses come from?
I’m the first in the family to get into racing. I started riding ponies when I was about seven years old and did a lot of Hunting with a Drag Hunt in Galway as I grew up. I started riding out for Denis Hogan when I was about 14 or 15 and it went on from there. I went straight into a racing yard with no race-riding experience.
What made you want to start your career down with Denis Hogan?
I just loved horses and wanted to get into racing, I wanted to ride out and a friend recommended that I go to Denis Hogans. I hadn’t ridden a racehorse before, so I was thrown in at the deep end if you like. I started at Denis’ when I was about 14 and I took out my amateur license at 17 to ride in Bumpers and Point to Points.
How did you end up riding out for Ellen and James Doyle?
I had seen an advertisement for staff and enquired about it and it went from there really. It’s a busy yard to be in but great to get experience from a place like that.
How did you end up coming across the horse Well P?
He’s my own horse but he runs in the family name, I bought him off a local lad Robert O’Brien, from Tipperary. I bought him down to the Doyle’s with me. I also have a mare that’s in foal at home so I’m looking at breeding a few too. I wasn’t bought up on a farm or anything like that.
Did you think you were in with a chance of winning on Saturday?
He was working well at home and schooling well, so we thought he was in with a chance, I do all the work with him. I got an extra kick out of it, to see him coming on and improving every week and to win a race on him is unreal.
What were the expectations?
I was hoping we would win to be honest; dad was there to see me win on him. The rest of my family were unfortunately working. A big crowd went to Ballinaboola on the last day, unfortunately, we didn’t win then!
What’s your plan with the horse?
Looking to find a suitable winners race with him next.
What are your future ambitions?
I’m just looking to ride as many horses as possible, get more experience and if I can get another winner that would be great. I’m full time at the Doyle’s at the minute and the plan is to stay there and see how I get on.
Are there any up-and-coming riders you think we should be watching out for?
Alex Harvey he's here at the Doyle's too and he's getting a good start.
Who is your biggest influence?
James Doyle helped me a lot with riding work and schooling. He’s been great to me and has given me plenty of advice. He said he’d give me a few chances going forward.
My dad has also been a big help to me with everything. My family and friends are my biggest supporters.
Do you have any interests outside of racing?
No not really, racing is my biggest interest, and I wouldn’t have time for anything else!
