Image © Healy Racing
Name: Jack Collins
Age: 17
From: Rathcormac, County Cork
How did you get involved with horses?
My mam Lisa has always been into breeding and breeds a few foals under the banner of Lisnagar Paddocks. My grandfather Pat Pyne has owned many racehorses over the years too so it was only natural that when I was three or four years old that I was put up on top of a pony. When I was five or six, then I started doing a lot of pony club then hunted with Island Hunt. When I was 14 I started doing some pony racing. Although I only rode one winner, I had plenty of spins and gained lots of experience. It was great to learn how to judge pace and I was riding against plenty of other good lads. It’s a good way to get race experience.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
The first racehorse I sat on was in Garrett Ahern’s, she was called Ballybrowney Dream. My grandfather actually owned her too. My grandfather has owned some good horses over the years.
Where do you work full-time?
I’m doing my Leaving Cert this year, but every day I can get off school I’m riding out. I ride out in the mornings before school and after school. I ride out for Rodger Sweeney every morning before I go into school and I’m in Garrett Ahern’s any day that I’m off school and on Saturdays I ride work for him. I get a half-day on a Wednesday so I’d be in Rodger’s then too.
How did the ride on Ceis Charraigin come about?
My grandfather bought Ceis Charraigin in 2023 and it was always the plan for me to ride her to gain a bit of experience. She was my first ride in a bumper, I rode her in three bumpers. Then she was my first ride in points too. This is my first season point-to-pointing.
Were you expecting Ceis Charraigin to run well?
I knew she’d run well, I wasn’t expecting the win, but I thought she’d be thereabouts in the first three or four home.
Did you get some kick out of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was brilliant, words can’t describe it really.
Were your family there on the day?
Mam, Dad, my two brothers and my sister were all there along with my grandfather. It was lovely.
How did you celebrate?
I didn’t do much, we all just went to a local pub for food and a few drinks in the evening.
Do you know what the plan is for Ceis Charraigin now?
I’d say she will probably go for a winners’ race, but I’ll leave that up to Garrett to decide.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
When I turned 16-years-old I got my bumper license out. It was always the plan, I wanted to be a jockey since the first time I sat on a horse.
What are your plans when you leave school?
When I leave school, I’d like to work full-time in racing. I can’t see myself doing anything else to be honest.
Have you gained experience anywhere else?
When I was 16, I spent the summer up in Willie Mullins', it was brilliant. I was riding work with the likes of Paul Townend and Patrick Mullins, I learnt an awful lot up there.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
My biggest influence has to be Garrett Ahern. I’ve been going into his since I was about 10-years-old and he has taught me everything. Anytime I ride for him, there is never any pressure and he always tells me what I do wrong and the things that I get right. I can’t really ask for anything more than that.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
I would turn to Garrett first of all for any advice. He’s very good and his son Josh would always be very good to me too when it comes to walking the track at the races and stuff.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I play a bit of hurling with the local Bride Rovers.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Hopefully pick up a few more winners, but try to gain as much experience as I can really. I hope to pick up a few more rides.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d just like to thank my Grandfather Pat for giving me the opportunity to ride his horse and thank Garrett for the help along the way and of course my family for all their support.
As a bonus for talented new point-to-point riders who feature in p2p.ie series of NextGen articles, Dungar Quality Oats will sponsor a special draw where one of the riders will win a cash prize of €500. All NextGen featured jockeys who have ridden their first point-to-point winner will be automatically entered into this draw. The draw will be conducted and prize winner announced at the end of the point-to-point season.
