Meet the trainees - Alaoisa O'Keeffe

Alaoisa training on Maddenstown Gallops

Hello my name is Alaoisa O’Keeffe I’m 16 years old.  I’m from Dublin but I’ve been living in Wexford eight years this year. Two people in my family have come through RACE, but my family is not of a racing background.  It was my dad who introduced me to horses and I’m glad he did. 

I got my first horse when I was 10 years old and that’s where it all started. If I’ve learned anything it is that we are all just living, why just live when you can do something that makes you feel alive! I feel alive when I am with horses. My relationship with horses started as a pastime but now it’s a passion.

When I was 12 I had two ponies. I used to ride one to school and he was in the papers for it.  I kept them in stables next to my school. I spent most of my time training them and learning from them and yes you can learn from a horse. I never was really in to the showing and dressage it was to ‘yuppie’ for me. That’s why I love horse racing because the people are different, my kind of different.  

 My cousin Patrick Dixon came to RACE when he was young and told me all about it and then I was dead set on coming here. I went to Duncormick Riding School for a few weeks and they gave me great lessons in horse riding and a friend of mine Collette used to give me lessons on my ponies whenever she could.  I also went for summer work with Sabrina Harty before I came to RACE. She gave me loads of experience in racing and I am glad to have met her. 

My favorite racehorses are Arkle and Desert Orchid. They were classic hurdle horses, their stories are the best. My dad used to tell me about them. 

I’ve learned a lot from RACE but most importantly never to give up with injuries as a setback, it never stopped me!

I’m coming to the end of RACE now; I’ve been placed in Dermot Weld’s yard.  I love working out there the lads are great and I get loads of experience.  I even plan to stay on at Welds after RACE is over.  

When I was in first year in school I had the dream of being a jockey and now after a year in RACE I’m on the journey of achieving my goals and living my dream. 

Alaoisa was placed with Dermot Weld on the 22nd of May 2017

Meet the trainees - Niall O'Connor

Niall warming down after training on RACE Gallops

My name is Niall O’Connor. I am from Calverstown, Kilcullen, Co Kildare. I started riding horses from the age of seven with my dad and sisters.  After a year or two I started hunting on Sundays.   My dad was the one who got me into horse racing, he broke in young horses.  I first heard about RACE from my friend Mikey Melia, who was on the 2015/2016 course, he told me that it was a great place to go and get experience with racehorses and working within the racing industry. That’s when I decided I wanted to apply to RACE.  

Throughout the year I have improved my riding with the help of the instructors in the RACE barn. The highlight of my time in RACE was at the Bogathon, it was a great fun day out with the rest of the trainees and the staff of RACE.

I am now at the end of the course, I’ve met lots of new friends and I’ve learnt and gained lots of experience from the course. I am the process of getting my Amateur Licence.  I am working in Conor O’ Dwyers Yard and I love it there and get along with all the staff. I have been offered a job full time in the yard and I am delighted to be given this opportunity.

Niall was placed with Conor O’Dwyer on the 21st November 2016

Meet the trainees - Peter Kavanagh

Peter schooling on the Curragh Schooling Grounds

My name is Peter Kavanagh.  I am 16 years old.  I am from Ballindaggin in Wexford.  I rode lots of horses and ponies before I came to RACE.  I did lots of show jumping, hunting and a small bit of pony racing.  

I have been riding out for Colin Bowe on the weekends for the last three years.  I have learned lots since I started there and it’s been a great experience.  Colin is very good to work for.  I then started riding out for Sean Doyle on a Sunday during the winter which was also a great experience.

I had heard about RACE before I came here from talking to friends who came here.  I heard all about RACE and what was expected. The trial was as tough, as it was made out to be. After the trial I got the letter of acceptance. I was delighted when I got the letter and when I found out that all my friends had gotten in too.

 I am enjoying my time in RACE and I have made lots of friends.  I hope to get sent out to a good yard on work placement. I hope to finish the course and to hopefully take out my licence next year and get a few rides while I go back and do my Leaving Cert. 

Peter was placed with Kevin Prendergast on the 21st of November 2016