Image © Healy Racing
Name: Adam Lord
Age: 17
From: Navan, County Meath
How did you get involved with horses?
I grew up around horses, we always had horses at home. I did pony club, show jumping, eventing, hunter trials and a bit of hunting.
My dad Adam used to work in Jim Bolger’s when he was younger and he owned a few horses with Gordon Elliott over the years. He always had an interest in it. My mam Helena was also into horses and would have done pony club and show jumping and she used to breed a few horses too.
My older brother Jack used to ride until he got too heavy, he now works for Cian Collins. I got into racing through Jack. Jack used to ride out in Gordon Elliott’s and I went in over my summer holidays when I was 12-years-old. I got bitten by the bug and just kicked on from then.
Have you ridden in any pony races?
I had a handful of rides at the pony racing. It was actually Sam Ewing who got me my first few rides. It was good experience to have before I got my first ride on the track.
Have you had any track rides
Gordon gave me my first ride on the track in December 2023 aboard a horse called Lazy Bones at Down Royal. I finished fourth. I’ve had three track rides so far.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I can’t remember the horse, but I would have been in Gordon’s. Gordon has taught me all I know.
Where do you work full-time?
I’m a fifth year student at Belvedere College and I ride out in Gordon’s when I can.
Depending on my Leaving Cert, I’d hope to do something in College alongside the racing. That would be the plan.
Have you gained any experience in other yards?
I have spent some time in Ger Lyons' before I got my license and I’ve also ridden out for Cian Collins but it’s mainly been Gordon’s.
How did the ride on Winning Paddy come about?
Our neighbour and good friend Dylan Cassidy works for Bective Stud and Winning Paddy had one run for Gordon as a four-year-old and he was just a bit weak and needed time so Noel Moran kindly gave him to Dylan. Dylan said he would run him in points and that I could ride him once I got my license. Eoin Finegan rode him a few times before I had my points license.
Were you expecting Winning Paddy to run well?
Yes, he was second on his two previous runs so we thought we’d get a big run out of him.
Did you get some kick out of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was great. To be honest it was a weird feeling but it was a brilliant day.
Were your family there on the day?
Yes all of my family were there on Sunday and we all went out for dinner afterwards to celebrate.
Do you know what the plan is for Winning Paddy now?
Probably go for a winners’ race now. We are also looking at one of the cross-country races at Punchestown for him. Touch wood he can get there in one piece.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
Yeah, I always dreamed of being a jockey since I was very young so it was always the plan for me.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Jack Kennedy, Sam Ewing, Jordan Gainford, Danny Gilligan and Harry Swan is great too. All the young lads in Gordon’s look up to them. They are all great for helping with advice and tips. I couldn’t just pick one of them.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Gordon would always tell you what to do and let you know if you were doing something right or something wrong. Harry Swan has been a great help to me.
He is flying at the moment. He is great for giving me tips on how to ride certain tracks and he would always be helping me in the weigh room and giving me lots of tips on my riding technique.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
Not really. Outside horses and school, I don’t have the time for much else. It’s all horses for me.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
To try and get as many rides as possible and hopefully a few winners. It would be good just to get a few more outside rides and get my name out there.
Do you want to add anything else?
I just want to thank Gordon for all the opportunities and thanks to my dad for everything he does for me and also to Dylan for being kind enough to let me ride his horse.
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.
