Hi my name is Ben Kennedy. I am 16 years old and from
Dingle County Kerry. I was always sitting on ponies all my life but I started
riding at a trekking centre near Dingle when I was 5 or 6 years old. I always
loved racing and got my first taste of racing at the flapping in Dingle. My Dad
has been in the committee for as long as I can remember and I suppose that is where
my interest came from.
I remember going Pony Racing with my Dad and I had always
wanted to try it. I got that chance when me and Dad went to North Kerry to look
at a 12’2 Pony, called ‘In The Zone’. A
small black Pony with a white face and 2 different coloured eyes. He was no
more thoroughbred than me, but it made no difference to me as we set off every Sunday
to the Races.
‘In
The Zone’ was a brilliant first pony and I learned loads on him, but as I got
taller and heavier it was time for a step up. My last season with him was
definitely not my best as I was too heavy for 12’2s, but I managed my first
winner in Balleyferriter in a local Race on a Pony called Bradley, and I backed
up the following year in the Race with the Same pony. I started going away from home when I was
about 12 years old. I would go to Mallow
to The O’Keeffe’s and I learned a lot. I then started riding in Tom Coopers on
Saturdays.
I
made the decision to come to RACE last summer after the open day. I was
delighted when I got onto the course and I think I have improved massively
since the start. For work placement, I was placed with Dermot Weld. I am really enjoying working there. I ride about 5 lots a day, most of them on Mr
Weld’s Gallops and sometimes on the Curragh.
When
I finish at RACE I hope to apply for my Licence and become an Apprentice Jockey
and then perhaps race under National Hunt
Rules.
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| Week 1 of the course, outdoor arena |
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