Name: Josh Younge
Age: 19
From: Borrisoleigh, Tipperary
It was a day to remember for rider Josh Younge on Sunday as he registered his first winner between the flags on only his third ride, at Ballingarry. He rode Spy Lady to victory for handler Michelle Gannon.
How did you get started with horses?
My cousin, Eddie Power used to be a jockey and he took me under his wing and got me riding ponies and took me out hunting when I was about 10-years-old. He taught me everything I know.
I had a couple of ponies at home, just hunters mainly.
How did you start riding out racehorses?
I was about 12 or 13 when I started riding out racehorses on my school holidays and weekends. Eddie took me with him to Pat Doyle’s and it started from there really.
I was riding out for Pat when I was in school for three seasons, then I went to Sam Curling’s and rode out for him for four seasons until I finished school.
I left Sam’s in September last year as it was a bit far away from home and ended up going to John Ryan’s.
Did you always want to take out your Qualified Riders License?
It was always the plan to give point-to-pointing ago, so taking out the point-to-point license was the dream growing up. I’d like to give it a go riding on the track in the future.
Who are you currently working or riding out for?
I’m currently in John Ryan’s but I’m also riding out for Shane Duffy. I’ve been with John since September, and I started riding out for Shane around October last year.
You must have been delighted to get your first winner on the board, can you tell me a bit more about it?
I was thrilled to get my first winner on the board, it didn’t really sink in until this morning!
I’ve been riding a few bits of work for Michelle here and there, and I would have known her over the past few years having grown up riding out for Sam Curling.
Were your family there to there to see you ride your first winner?
Yes, my mother and two older brothers were there to see me ride my first winner! They were delighted for me. My brothers have no interest in horses, I’m the only one in the family!
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Probably Eddie Power, growing up watching him intrigued me and got me into horses. He’s been very good to me along the way and taught me everything.
He had a bad fall in 2013 which ended his career, but he turned his hand to training and that seems to be going well for him.
Any jockeys that you aspire to?
I’d look up to the likes of Jack Kennedy and Danny Mullins. I ride out with Danny in John’s and he’s a real nice fella and has been a great help too.
It’s just great to get the chance to ride out with the likes of Danny as he’s such a good rider, you’d learn a lot from him.
Have you any ambitions for next season?
Hopefully, I’ll get a few more opportunities and I’ll stay amateur for another season. I’ll stick at the point-to-points as I’m really enjoying it, but maybe long term I’d love to ride on the track.
Have you any interests outside of racing?
Not really, I work six or seven days a week so haven’t much time for anything else!
Have you any plans for the summer ahead?
I’ll stay at John Ryan’s for the summer, hopefully I’ll get a few chances in some of the amateur races and bumpers over the summer.
I have a few rides coming up for Shane Duffy, which I’m looking forward to. I'm just trying to get as much experience as I can and be ready for next season!
