Next Gen | Ciaran O'Shea

Next Generation

Name: Ciaran O’Shea

Age: 24

From: Lisgoold, East Cork

It was a red-letter day for 24-year-old Cork native Ciaran O’Shea, as he registered his first point-to-point winner between the flags aboard the family-owned General Ryan for hander Garrett Ahern at Licarroll on Sunday.

How did you get started with horses?

I grew up riding ponies, I started riding at around the age of four. As soon as I could walk, I was straight up on the ponies. I had done a bit of hunting and show jumping growing up. I have a sister who also grew up riding ponies. I started riding out racehorses when I was about 14.

How did you start riding out racehorses?

My father was riding out for Timmy O’Callaghan at the time, and I started going in on Saturdays riding out with him. I started going in to ride out for Garrett Ahern last year, I had also ridden out for Joseph O’Brien for a few months in between college. That was a great experience as there are so many good jockeys riding out there, I learnt a lot.

Did you always want to take out your Qualified Riders License?

That was always going to be the plan, I had always wanted to ride in point-to-points. I had been in college studying business for a few years and then I decided to take out my license when I had finished that last winter.

Who are you currently working or riding out for?

I’m currently riding out for Garrett Ahern in the mornings, I then go on to Donie Murphy in the afternoons, then on to Olivia Hall last. So, I’m kept very busy now thank God!

How did you come about riding out for Garrett Ahern?

It was actually around the time that we were in lockdown and I was working in an office job at the time. I wasn’t really enjoying it so I rang Garrett and started riding out on Saturday’s and it went from there really. I left the office job and went into Garrett’s full time in September.

You must have been delighted to get your first winner on the board, can you tell me a bit more about it?

I was absolutely delighted to get my first winner under my belt, he travelled great he was in my hands the whole way. I thought I might have run out of gas because he was travelling so well, but thankfully he picked up after the second last and stayed going all the way to the line.

I was third on him at Bandon the time before so I was hopeful of a good run this time.

He’s actually the family horse, my parents, myself and my sister all own him, so it was a great day out for us all!

Were your family there to there to see you ride your first winner?

Yes, the whole family were there on the day to see it which was great. My mother was shaking she was that thrilled! The family photo will be going on the wall now that’s for sure!

Who is your biggest influence in racing?

My father is my biggest influence in racing, he’s helped me out massively along the way.

Any jockeys that you aspire to?

Paul Townend is the jockey I’d most look up to. I’d have been watching him racing growing up over the years, he’s the local hero.

Have you any ambitions for the rest of the season?

Just to get as many rides as I can really if I could ride another winner this season that would be great. But just to get as much experience under my belt is the main thing.

If I could get a few rides on the track that would be brilliant.

Have you any interests outside of racing?

I play hurling for my local club, Lisgoold GAA. I follow all sports really, but hurling would be the main one.

Following on from the Cheltenham Festival last week, were there any standout performers for you?

Gallopin Des Champs looked like an aeroplane, it was a pity he fell but he looks an exciting Gold Cup horse for next year going forward.