Brendan Lyons is our latest rider to feature in our next generation section.
From Co. Kerry, 20-year-old Brendan began riding in point-to-points last season and enjoyed his first winner on Sunday at Belclare when he steered the Eoin McCarthy-trained ThePremierBroker to victory in the Westport Woods Hotel seven-year-old-and-upwards maiden.
Brendan had five rides in point-to-points last season which saw him finish third at Curraheen in April aboard Tyrone House.
Name: Brendan Lyons
Age: 20
Area: Listowel
How did you become involved in racing?
Some of my family always had horses so I enjoyed spending my weekends and spare time with them when I was younger. When I was about seven I started to go for lessons at Listowel Equestrian centre and loved it. I use to help Tom O’Connor out when I was still in school and when I was about 14 I started to ride in pony races. I rode for four seasons, mainly in the southern region which gave me great experience.
I took out my apprentice licence on the flat and was based with Paul Deegan for two seasons. I then went to Tom Hogan for a while but I was struggling to maintain my weight for the flat so I decide to switch to the jumps side of things.
I have been based with Eoin McCarthy this season and I also ride out for Tom O’Connor in the afternoons.
What's your favourite course?
I had a ride at Listowel last year in the hunter’s chase which I really enjoyed as it is also my local track.
Give us a horse to watch out for?
Tom O’Connor has a nice four-year-old mare to run in a bumper in a couple of weeks who has been showing us a nice bit at home and is one to look forward to.
What was the best day of your racing life?
Sunday was definitely my best day so far. I ride the horse out every day so I know him very well. He gave me great spin around and along with super jump at the last he battled well for me in the closing stages.
Do you do any sport outside of racing?
When the shooting season is on I try and get out for a few days.
Who’s your biggest influence?
When I was in Paul Deegan’s, Chris Hayes was a great help to me and thought me a lot. Since I have been riding over jumps Mickey O’Connor has given me loads of advice which has helped with my riding.
What is one of your favourite racing memories?
It was at Fariyhouse three years ago when Lilshane won for Tom O’Connor. I had gone racing with him that day and it meant a lot to all of us as it was Tom’s first winner in seven years.
If you could ride a horse in Cheltenham, who would it be and why?
I would have to pick Cause of Causes. He seems to love Cheltenham and has a great record around there. I’m sure he would give you a brilliant spin in the Cross Country race.
What are your plans for this season?
I would like to continue riding in point-to-points for a few seasons and will then possibly consider getting my conditional licence.
To read about some of our other featured riders this season click on the link below.
Kerry native Brendan Lyons recorded an initial career success last Sunday at Belclare. He is our latest to young rider to be featured in the Next Generation series.
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) March 13, 2018
READ THE FEATURE: https://t.co/xQLjuIbqCJ#NextGen #IrishPointers #P2P pic.twitter.com/LOTMRnRxUb
