Meet the trainees - Damien Moore

My name is Damien Moore. I am 16 years old. I’m from Monasterevin, Co. Kildare. My first time working around horses was about 5 years ago. My brother Patrick brought me out to the stables where he was working, which was Christie Donohue’s. I only mucked out and groomed, along with other practical things. I also gained experience in Church View Stables too.
I was about 9 years of age when I first realised I wanted to be a jockey. I always wanted to follow my brother Patrick, who was a jockey, so I decided to try and get into RACE. When I turned 16 I attended an open day in RACE, and attended a trial week later that year. I was very nervous during the trial because I didn’t have that much experience and I didn’t have a clue how to ride. I got through it in the end and here I am now in RACE.

I am hoping to sign on as an apprentice jockey in the future. I have always followed the racing and I look up to many jockeys such as Fran Berry , Ryan Moore and many others. I try to go to the stimulators every day and practice my technique by following the riding skills I have learned by looking at the jockeys on television and at the racing. I always give it my best shot around the yard etc. Becoming a jockey is my dream. I can always improve on my riding skills in the hope that one day I will make that dream come true.

Maddenstown Gallops