Hi, my name is John Shinnick. I am 16 years old and I am from Co. Cork.
I have a big interest in horses. I got my first pony at 7 years old I got involved in the local Pony Club for a year which was a great experience. I love hunting. I whip in with my local hunt and I also do showjumping in the summer. I have won 7 drag hunts and this is what inspired me to become a jockey - “the thrill of winning”!
So far I like it here in RACE and time is flying. All the Instructors down in the barn have taught me a lot. They have done loads with us. They bring us to the Curragh most weeks. They brought us Schooling on the Curragh strip and also brought us to Maddenstown Gallops. Now its time to go out to a trainer (on work placement) and they have me well prepared.
I have been sent out to Michael Halford and I am loving it at his yard. All the lads who work there are sound out and also very helpful to me. I am learning loads at his yard, and watching the good jockeys ride in his yard is teaching me a lot. After being there 8 weeks, I was let ride work a few times which is the best feeling in the world! Flying up the gallop, showing off your style hoping that it all works out alright.
I am also working on the weekends when I go home at Grove Stud. I’m learning loads over there as I am riding plenty of 2 year olds, getting them ready for the breeze up season coming. All the lads there are sound out and good craic. There is nothing better than coming home to a bit of craic!
Hopefully things will work out well for me after this course.
John was placed with Michael Halford with the first group in November 2017.
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| Training on the Curragh in September 2017 |
