Image © Healy Racing
Name: Aidan Coonan
Age: 21
From: Maynooth, County Kildare
How did you get involved with horses?
I’ve always been around horses and learned to ride at a very young age. My dad Will would have grown up around horses and he worked with racehorses at Noel Meade’s for a period of time when he was younger. I think he rode in a few point-to-points back in the day, but never rode a winner, so I have one up on him there! My mum doesn’t ride herself, but has always been a big support, she kind of had to be; she travelled to all the hunter trials, hunting and competitions with us.
My older sister Anna would have done a bit of showjumping while in school, but doesn’t ride so much anymore. I have a younger sister Ellie who is just learning to ride at the minute, so we’re trying to get her into it. Then there is my twin brother Billy, he has always been interested in racing and also rides as an amateur.
I was with the Ward Union Pony Club and did a lot of Minimus and Tetrathalon competitions. I still hunt with the Wards when I get the chance.
When did your interest in racing start?
Billy was always mad into racing and always wanted to be a jockey, and during transition year at school we said that we would give it a go. We went into Gavin Cromwell’s yard for a week or so and that was where it all started. That was the first bit of racing experience I had. Then I stayed on and did weekend work and holidays with Gordon Elliott for a year or so before moving on to Tony Martin’s yard to do the same. I was at Tony’s any chance I could get.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I do actually, it was a horse of Gavin Cromwell’s called Global Rating. I don’t know much more about him.
Where do you work full-time?
I am in my third year at University in Limerick doing Engineering. I’m here full-time, but ride out a couple of days a week for Charles Byrnes in Limerick, and whenever I’m back home, I get into Tony’s.
I have exams starting in a couple of weeks to finish up in third year and then I have another year to complete.
The plan would be to work in engineering and hopefully continue to ride as an amateur.
How did the ride on Squire Ohara come about?
A friend and close neighbour of ours, Paddy Blake, bought the horse and he said to me that I could ride him and get experience on him. We were hoping to get a win with him in points with the aim being the Farmers race at Punchestown. It was very good of Paddy to let me ride him all season.
Were you expecting Squire OHara to run well?
I knew he’d run well. The last couple of outings we were expecting big runs. We were just hoping to finish in the first two or three and we thought if things went well on the day that he would win.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was an incredible feeling. I was delighted. I wasn’t sure if we were going to do it as we were so close the last few times. I was ready for another second or third placing, but it was an amazing feeling, I’ve been dreaming of it for a while!
Were your family there on the day?
My dad and my uncle Peter were there on the day so I had a bit of support. We didn’t do anything crazy to celebrate. We stopped off on the way home to watch the National. I need to keep the head down studying at the minute.
Do you know what the plan is for Squire Ohara now?
The Farmers’ race at Punchestown is the main aim now, providing he comes out of his Loughanmore race okay. Beyond Punchestown, I’m not too sure what the plan is.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
Billy was much more decisive and always wanted to be a jockey, so I followed in his footsteps a bit. He led the way.
The plan was always to go full-time into engineering, but After riding in the Pat Smullen Charity Race at the Curragh in August last year, I decided to take out the license to see how I got on while finishing my degree. I took out my license in October/November time and had my first ride in December
I’m really enjoying it now, it has taken a bit of a hold of me now.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
No one in particular, but Billy and my dad both would have encouraged me to get going and take out my license and have a bit of fun.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
It would definitely be Billy. He would always come to me and tell me what I’m doing right, or what I’m doing wrong, whether its on the gallops at home or at the races. He’s always giving me tips to help improve.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I enjoy hurling. I’m up and down to Limerick, but during the summer or when I have time, I play a bit of hurling at home. I also enjoy golf when I have the time.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
To try and get a few more rides before the season ends. Another winner would be nice, but it would be nice to get some outside rides.
Do you want to add anything else?
I just want to thank the owner Paddy Blake for letting me ride Squire Ohara and thanks to Tony for the ride and for all the experience I have gained at his yard, also to Charles Byrnes for all the help he’s 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.
