Image © Healy Racing
Name: Cathal Connolly
Age: 27
From: Ballyglunin, County Galway
How did you get involved with horses?
My dad’s family would all be into horses, and although my dad, Frances, didn’t work with horses, he always like to keep a couple around home as a hobby. I learnt to ride when I was very young and grew up riding ponies and horses. I did a little bit of everything, a bit of showjumping and I hunted with the Galway Blazers.
I had around 20 rides on the pony-racing circuit. I never rode any winners, but it was great experience.
Where did you first gain experience riding racehorses?
While I was at school and throughout college, I worked for Tom Cleary for around four years. That’s where I started to learn more about racing and riding thoroughbreds.
What did you study at college?
I did a degree in Commerce at the University of Galway, so at least I have that to fall back on, should the horses not work out!
When did you start working in racing?
When I was 20 and had completed my degree, I went to Henry De Bromhead’s yard in Waterford to work. I spent around five years at Henry’s.
While I was there I got to look after some super horses, and gained so much experience. I led up the 2021 Gold Cup Winner Minella Indo.
Where do you work full-time now?
I joined Sam Curling about two years ago. When we’re not busy and I have time I would also ride a bit for Pat Kelly.
It was Pat Kelly that gave me my only track ride so far, aboard Thefarmersdaughter in a mares’ bumper at Limerick in December 2024.
How did the ride on Kilmore Coral come about?
Conor Ryan is a neighbour of Sam’s and I help him out sometimes in the evenings. Jack O’Grady does most the work with Kilmore Coral, but as he is currently out injured, Conor kindly let me ride him.
Were you expecting Kilmore Coral to run well?
She pulled-up when I rode her on debut at Durrow, but we were hopeful with the better ground and the experience of a run behind her that she would run into a place.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
I was delighted to get it really. It was a huge relief to get one finally.
She was travelling very well and there was a bit of drama at the second last fence. My mare jumped it well and I knew she’d stay, so that was the point that I thought we had the race in the bag.
Were your family there on the day?
Yes my mother and father were both there watching. They have always been a great support.
Do you know what the plan is for Kilmore Coral now?
I’m not really sure what the plan is for her now, I’ll leave that to Conor.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
I only took out my license in 2022. I had a horse of my own, Stayinalive, with Paul Power, so I took out the license to ride him and gain some experience. I always wanted to work within racing, but only when I had my own horse I decided to take out the license.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
I rode alongside some of the best jockeys whilst in Henry’s. I suppose Rachel Blackmore. She is one of the best and is a big inspiration.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
There’s lots of good lads in Sam’s with me, but Philip Enright would be very good to me. He’s a great help and would give me lots of pointers to help me.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I follow all the sports really. I love to watch the football and hurling. I’m a huge Arsenal fan in football. I don’t really have the time to play.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Another winner would be great, but I’ll be happy just to get a few more rides and get the experience.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d just like to thank Conor and the owner Anthony Creane for giving me the ride on Kilmore Coral and also thanks to Sam for all the opportunities that he has given me too.
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.
