Image © Healy Racing
Name: Ollie Gilligan
Age: 18
From: Athenry, County Galway
How did you get involved with horses?
I’ve been involved with horses all my life really. My dad Paul trains and the whole family is steeped in racing. There are four of us boys and we’re all involved — Jack and Danny are riding on the track, Liam rode as well but is now training pointers, and I’m at home riding out every day, so it’s all we’ve ever known. There was never going to be another option, racing was bred into us.
Did you do much outside of racing growing up?
I did plenty of hunting with the Galway Blazers and the North Galways and a good bit of pony racing as well. I rode around 20 winners pony racing over five or six years, so that gave me a great start.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I wouldn’t remember exactly, but it would have been one at home. I was only about six or seven when I started riding on the gallops.
Where do you work full-time?
I’m at home full-time riding out for Dad and Liam. I’d school for anyone that wants me in the afternoons as well. Jack is in Oliver McKiernan’s a couple of days a week and at home with us too, and Danny is with Gordon Elliott.
Is it hard to work with family? Is there any sibling rivalry?
There’d be the odd row, but we’d always wrap it up quickly. We’re all very supportive of each other and there to help out whenever we can.
How many horses would you have in at home?
There’d be around 30 there between track horses and pointers, so it keeps us busy.
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How did the ride on Killowen House come about?
David Ryan has been a good friend of ours and would come in to use the gallop the odd time. I rode the horse for him at home and after I’d been cantering him, he said I could ride him when he ran, so that’s how it came about. Liam would have grown up with David’s son Rossa and they would have ridden in pony races together as well.
Were you expecting Killowen House to run well?
We were expecting him to run well. He’d been third on his first run and if he came back to that level on nicer ground, we thought he’d have a good chance.
Talk me through the race — when did you think you had it won?
After jumping the fourth-last I gave him a squeeze and he picked up well. I thought I had a chance then, and once I got over the second-last I was confident that if I got over the last, I’d have it in the bag.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It’s hard to put into words really, it was just a great feeling and a bit of relief as well. I’d been knocking on the door a few times, finishing second, so it was great to finally get one across the line.
Were your family there on the day?
Yeah, Dad, Jack and Liam were there. Mum stayed at home and Danny was riding at Fairyhouse, so he couldn’t make it.
Do you know what the plan is for Killowen House now?
I’m not too sure yet. He might go for a winners’ race or head to the track, but he won’t be sold.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
Yeah, it was always the goal. I always wanted to ride. I’m quite tall, so I got my amateur licence about a year and a half ago and just went from there.
You’ve been involved with some big days in racing — is there one that stands out?
The day Buddy One won at Cheltenham in November in 2023 would definitely stand out. I was around 15 at the time and led him up that day, which was a brilliant experience.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
I’d have looked up to lads like Paul Townend and Ruby Walsh growing up. They’re the ones you’d always watch on the big days.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
There are plenty of lads you can ask, but mainly I’d go to Danny and Liam. They’re always good for advice.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I still enjoy a bit of hunting and might play a bit of hurling here and there as well.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Just to try and ride another winner and keep improving from there.
Do you want to add anything else?
Just thanks to Mum and Dad, who drove us all around the country for pony racing and have supported us the whole way, and to my brothers Jack, Liam and Danny for all their help and advice. A big thank you as well to David Ryan for giving me the opportunity.
Just thanks to Mum and Dad, who drove us all around the country for pony racing and have supported us the whole way, and to my brothers Jack, Liam and Danny for all their help and advice. A big thank you as well to David Ryan for giving me the opportunity.
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.
