Name: Eoin Staples
From: Duncormick, Co.Wexford
First Winner: Getaway Theatre
Eoin, who is the brother of well known amateur Sean Staples recorded his first winner on only his second ride this season. The nineteen-year-old is a Timber Technology Student in Dublin but rides out for Colin Bowe a few mornings a week.
Surrounding himself with the likes of Barry O’Neill, Rob James and his brother Sean, it is no wonder that with just less than twenty rides this young Wexford native has already registered his first winner.
How did you get started with horses?
Growing up dad always had a few broodmares, he would always be watching racing and he was really into pedigrees and breeding.
I started riding when I was about six or seven, I did a bit of show jumping and I hunted with the Killinick Harriers then when I was about ten. I started riding racehorses not too far from home for John Martin Walsh, I would ride one or two lots a day for him and then I went onto Michael Murphy’s.
When I was around thirteen then I spent a summer Pony Racing, I went over to Galway to Tony Beegan and I rode a winner for him. I spent the last of that summer over in Joseph O’Brien’s, which I enjoyed so much that I went back the following summer. I got to ride some really nice flat two years olds there so it was a great experience.
I then went onto Cormac Doyle’s in Monbeg for the winter and it was here I started getting loads of experience riding young horses and schooling. I spent two winters with Cormac and it was great because I got to ride out for Donnchadh Doyle also.
I went to Michael Murphy’s when I was seventeen and it was here I got my license out, I had my first ride for Richard O’Keefe in Cork in April of 2021.
Who are you primarily based with now?
I went to Colin Bowes half way through last season and I ride out for Rob James and Andy and Paul Pierce in the evenings.
Tell us more about Getaway Theatre?
I rode her on her last start in Belclare where she finished fourth, I thought she may have had a good chance that day but she made a bad mistake at the last. I schooled her the Saturday before she won and she was jumping very well and she was in great form.
I would have been disappointed if she didn’t go close around Rathcannon. She gave me a great feel, the lads - Andy and Paul will probably sell her now.
Have you had many rides on the track?
I got to ride in Naas at the end of last year in an amateur hurdle for Andrew and Paul [Pierce] it was an amazing experience getting to ride around a big track like that on a Grade 2 day.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
I am up in Dublin Tuesday to Friday so I only get to ride out when I am home in Wexford but seen as I have only had two rides this season I would just love to get a few more and perhaps some more winners would come with that.
Who would be your biggest influence in racing?
My Brother Sean would definitely be my biggest influence, when we were younger we did everything and went everywhere together and he has helped me so much with race riding he would watch my races back with me and tell me what to improve on.
I get to ride out with Rob James and Barry O’Neill in Colin’s, they are great to watch and they are always happy to help and guide you.
Do you have any interests outside of racing?
I play hurling and football for our local club St. Anne’s when I can.
Is there another young rider that you think people should watch out for?
Bertie Finn and Ross Berry, I think they are two very good riders.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Keep your mouth closed and your ears open!
