Meet the trainees - Niall Moore

Niall in demonstration on RACE Gallops for Family Day

My name is Niall Moore I am 16 years old and I am from Gortnahoe in Tipperary. I was always interested in horses ever since I first sat up on one at a young age. Before I came to RACE, I hunted a bit and would ride out my horses every Saturday. I also loved watching racing from a young age and I would attend the Punchestown festival and the Thurles race meetings often and watching all this racing made me want to be a Jockey.

Last Spring I decided that I would apply for the Trainee Jockey Course in RACE.  A few weeks later I went to an open day and admired the place. Next I got a letter telling me I would have to take part in a trial week which was tough, but I kept my head down and worked hard. In August I got accepted to the course and was over the moon!

The course started in September and it was a big change living away from home but with company and craic in the dorms we survived. I loved riding out down the barn and gained lots of experience and tips from the Instructors. In February, I was sent out to local trainer Johnny Murtagh I am learning so much here off both Johnny and the lads in the yard and my riding has come on a lot since I have started there. I also ride out at the weekends for John Nicholson, who has helped me improve my riding a lot.

I hope to take out an Amateur License at the end of the summer and work full time at John Nicholsons yard.

Niall was placed with Johnny Murtagh on the 6th of February 2017