Name: Finn Brickley
Age: 17
From: Skibbereen, Co. Cork
It was a day to remember at Castletown-Geoghegan for West Cork native Finn Brickley who recorded his first point-to-point winner aboard The Bosses Oscar for his boss Gordon Elliott, carrying the familiar colours of Noel and Valerie Moran.
How did you get involved with horses?
We always had a couple of ponies growing up at home. I had always dreamed of becoming a jockey and riding in races and riding winners.
I did one year of pony racing, we had two ponies that we raced but they were no good but it was great experience.
I got started in a racing yard with James Dullea in Bandon.
Where are you working at the moment?
I am full-time with Gordon, I started with him in January.
How did the connection with Gordon come about?
My sister Shelley works there, and I used to go up a few weekends with her and ride out and I loved it. So Gordon very kindly took me on full-time.
Do you ride out for anyone else other than Gordon?
I ride out for Nigel Slevin in the evenings, I actually had my first bumper winner for him.
Was it always the plan for you to take out your riders licence?
This was always my plan from a very young age. I have always wanted to get my riders licence, especially riding out with the likes of Jack Kennedy, Sam Ewing and Jordan Gainford. You look up to the likes them and just hope one day you can be like them.
When did you find out you were riding The Bosses Oscar?
I only found out on Saturday, it was toss between myself and Georgie Benson. So I was lucky it fell my way.
Did you fancy him to run a big race?
We did, we thought he would run a big race.
Did any of your family make it to Castletown-Geoghegan?
My Dad, my uncle and grandfather made the trip up, I was delighted they were able to make it. It was very special to ride a winner in front of my grandfather. He got a great kick out of it.
It must have been a nice feeling to be putting on Noel & Valerie Morans colours?
It meant the world to me to be riding in their colours and then to get a winner in them was extra special.
It was great that Noel was there too.
How did that win compare to your first track winner, did you get the same kick out of it?
I probably got a little bit more of a kick riding my first point-to-point winner, it’s a completely different buzz when riding over fences, it was unreal feeling.
It was also brilliant to have my family there, riding a winner for Gordon and in Noel and Valerie Moran’s colour.
What is the plan now for The Bosses Oscar?
I think the plan is for him to stay pointing for the winter anyways, which is brilliant.
What are your ambitions for next season?
To ride as much as I can, hopefully keep getting rides and getting opportunities like that.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Jack Kennedy, he has been so good to me. He’s great for giving me advice and always helping you along. In fairness all the lads have been very good to me. I was schooling the Bosses Oscar on Saturday morning and Jordan Gainford was riding another horse and he was going through the whole race with me. It was great to get that kind of advice and help.
Gordon Elliott has also had a big influence, I’m just so grateful to him for giving me the opportunity and to the owners Noel and Valerie Moran.
Are there any young riders in Gordon’s we should be keeping an eye on?
Josh Williamson, is one to keep an eye on.
Is there any horse we should be following from Gordon’s this season?
There are so many good horses to choose from, I couldn’t pick. My favourite horse in the yard, that I ride out every morning is No Time To Wait, he’s lovely horse and I hope he can have a great season.
Have you any interests outside of racing?
Not really, it’s just all horses.
