Image © Healy Racing
Name: Alex O’Keeffe
Age: 17
From: Timolin, County Wexford
How did you get involved with horses?
My family have always been involved in horses. My dad, Martin and uncle Richard bred mares at home all of their lives, so I was around them from a very young age. The best horses that my dad bred were probably Finian’s Oscar, School Boy Hours and Finian’s Rainbow.
I had a pony growing up and was always riding, I also hunted with the Killinick Harriers. Jockey Sean O’Keeffe is a cousin of mine, he is a few years older than me. I rode for a couple of years on the pony racing circuit and had two winners. It was great experience.
I have twin sisters who have no interest in horses and my mam just lets me get on with it.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
The first racehorse I ever sat on was Vital Island when I was about ten or eleven. Richard O’Keeffe is my second cousin.
Do you work full-time or are you still in school?
I’m still in school, I’m in fifth year at St Peter’s College in Wexford.
I started riding out for Johnny and Mikey Fogarty around three years ago on weekends and on days off.
I plan to finish my Leaving Cert and then focus on riding full-time.
.gif)
How did the ride on Our Peggy come about?
I have ridden her out and schooled her at home, but I actually only found out the day before I was riding her! Johnny just said, “You’re riding her this weekend.” I couldn’t believe it, to be honest.
Were you expecting Our Peggy to run well?
Yeah, her work at home had been good, and I was hoping for a big run.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was unreal - there are no words to describe it.
I’d been so close the week before when I was unseated after jumping the last in the lead aboard Take Some More at Umma House, so it was a massive relief to get the win. I didn’t get myself too excited until we were well over the last this time!
Were your family there on the day?
Yeah, Dad was there, he’s my biggest supporter and follows me everywhere.
Do you know what the plan is for Our Peggy now?
I’d say she’ll be sold now, hopefully.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
Yeah, definitely. It’s something I wanted to do from a very young age. I’ve always followed Sean’s career and hopefully I can take the same route as him. It would be my dream to turn professional down the line.
Have you experience riding out for any other trainers?
Yeah, In the past I’ve ridden out for trainers like Sean Doyle, Brian Lawless, Denis Moore, Richard O’Keeffe and James Kenny. I’ve learnt a lot from each of them.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Mikey Fogarty for sure, he’s taught me a lot. He goes through my races with me in fine detail and gives great advice.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
It’d be Mikey again. I learn an awful lot from him. He is always happy to help and is never too busy to stop and give me advice or pointers.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
Not really, just horses, that’s all I want to do.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
I’d love to keep getting rides, get plenty of experience and hopefully ride a few more winners.
Do you want to add anything else?
Just a big thanks to Mikey and Johnny Fogarty for all the opportunities they’ve given me, especially on these nice young horses.
Just a big thanks to Mikey and Johnny Fogarty for all the opportunities they’ve given me, especially on these nice young horses.
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.
