Meet the trainees - Mark Mooney

My name is Mark Mooney and I’m from Tralee, Co Kerry. I have always had a big interest in horses since I was the age of 8. I learned to ride in a riding school which was great fun and used to compete in local show jumping events and hunting on the weekends which I used to love.   

After a couple of years of show jumping and hunting I formed a massive interest in racing. When I heard about the Racing Academy from a past student I knew I wanted to come here.    

Leading up to the trial of RACE, I asked a local trainer from some experience in the racing industry.  From there I gained a bit of experience in the industry and ended up getting my place in RACE.   

In the weeks I’ve been here so far I’ve learned loads and I can’t wait for the next 30 weeks to come.  

Mark training on Maddenstown Gallops

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