Name: Daniel Fitzgerald
Age: 17
From: Killeagh, Cork
It was a red-letter day on Sunday at Castlelands for Cork native Daniel Fitzgerald, as he rode his first winner between the flags for his father and handler Martin Fitzgerald aboard Carrig Wells.
How did you get started with horses?
My father, Martin rode in point-to-points when he was younger and he rode a few winners on the track, he then retired and took out his handlers license. I always had ponies growing up, I had done a bit of showjumping and I had hunted with the Killeagh Harriers. I had done a bit of pony racing growing up too but nothing too serious.
How did you start riding out racehorses?
I started riding out for my father when I was 12 or 13, I started out on the quiet ones, and it went from there really!
Did you always want to take out your Qualified Riders License?
I always wanted to take out my point-to-point license since I started riding racehorses. I also have a bumper license and have had a few rides on the track now for my father and also for Liam Burke.
Who are you currently working for?
I’m in school still for the time being, but I ride out for Liam Burke and my father at the weekends.
How did you come about working for Liam Burke?
I was out hunting when I was younger and got talking to Liam Burke and a few days later he rang my father and asked if I would be interested in riding out for him at the weekends. I’m still riding out for him 3 years later!
You’re obviously from a racing background, could you tell me a bit more about your family?
I have two sisters and a brother who are all at the age where they could start riding out a few quiet racehorses! They have been riding ponies growing up.
You had partnered the horse Carrig wells a few times before were you confident of a good run?
I had previously ridden her in a few point-to-point bumpers and in a couple of point-to-points so I knew her well and was hopeful of a good run!
You must have been delighted to get your first winner on the board, can you tell me a bit more about it?
I was delighted to get off the mark on my fourteenth ride and I’ve had my license a year now so it was a day to remember for me.
Were your family there to there to see you ride your first winner?
The whole family was there to see me ride my first winner so that was great. They travel to the point-to-points every weekend to support me. I also had friends from my hometown in Killeagh that were also there to support me so it was a mighty day out!
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
My father would have to be my biggest influence in racing as he’s helped start off my career and I can’t thank him enough. The jockey I’d aspire to most is Davy Russell.
Have you any ambitions for the rest of the season?
Just to keep going and ride as many horses as possible and if I could get another winner that would be great. Once I’ve finished school, I’d like to ride out for a bigger point-to-point yard to get some more experience.
I have been riding out for Enda Bolger on my school holidays whenever I can for the last two years, and I can’t thank him enough for all the help and experience he has given me.
Have you any interests outside of racing?
By the time I’m finished at school and have ridden out for my father, I haven’t much time to do anything else! But if I get the chance, I do a bit of running.
Are there riders you think we should be looking out for?
Eric Mellerick, James Fennell and John Gleeson.They’re three up and coming young riders who I’d love to see do well.
With the Cheltenham Festival coming up next week is there any horse you are looking forward to watching?
I was in riding out for Henry De Bromhead over Christmas, so I’d love to see his horses running well.
