Trainee Charlotte McFarland in the Spotlight

Meet the trainees - Kenneth O'Connor

My name is Kenneth O’Connor and I’m from new Ross county Wexford.

I have had and interest in horses since I was about 6 years of age when I started receiving my first riding lessons in my local riding school, Old Court stables. 

It was then on when got my first pony which was a 14 hand pony called ‘Madonna’ that I then began hunting and competing in hunter trials. I have known that I wanted to be a jockey ever since.

 When I was about 12 years old I was told by a past pupil of RACE about the course and I looked at their website and set my goal in getting into RACE and here I am today.

Kenneth on Maddenstown Gallops in October 2013

Meet the trainees - Dylan Shaw

My name is Dylan Shaw.  I am 16 years old.  I’m from Donaghmede, in north Dublin.  I have had an interest in horses since I was about 6 and hadn’t got much experience.  I got my first horse when I was about 11 and ever since then have had horses.  I have only had experience riding bare back and never rode with a saddle until I came to RACE.

 I heard about race about 3 years ago and ever since I heard about it I have wanted to go.  When I got picked I was over the moon and was really excited to go.  I’ve only been here 15 weeks and have learned so much.  I’m looking forward to going out to yards for experience.

My favourite rider would be Johnny Murtagh and I would love to be up there like him in the future. 

I am really enjoying my time at RACE, it is a great experience and I look forward to the great opportunities that await me in the near future.

 
 

Dylan heads out for training on the Curragh