Image © Healy Racing
Point-to-Point racing is not only a rich source of equine talent, as it also has a track record for producing the sport’s next generation of jockeys too.
That has been evident this summer, with a number of those riders who have made the switch from point-to-pointing to the professional ranks, making an immediate impression in the winner’s enclosure.
Chief amongst them was Eoin Staples, who last weekend enjoyed the biggest victory of his burgeoning career by landing an €80,000 hurdle at the Galway Races.
Last season’s joint novice rider series champion from within the pointing sphere, only had his first ride as a pro at Tipperary in July 1st, and since securing a first victory in that division for Gavin Cromwell at Roscommon six days later, the Meath trainer has proven to be a big supporter of the 22-year-old.
It was aboard Cromwell’s Come On The Lads that the Wexford native was victorious in the Boylesports Galway Tribes Handicap Hurdle last Saturday, his fourth victory since joining the paid ranks, rewarding his decision to make the switch.
Come On The Lads stays on best to land a thrilling running of the @BoyleSports @Galway_Races Tribes Handicap Hurdle ???? pic.twitter.com/4PeZ2Is5AT
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) August 2, 2025
“It wasn’t an easy decision,” Staples admitted. “I worked for some brilliant lads when I was point-to-pointing – Colin Bowe, Andy Pierce, Rob James and the late Edward O’Grady – he was very good to me, the same with all the lads that I mentioned.
“They were all good to me and I enjoyed working for them, but it was Rob and Barry O’Neill who came to me and said that my weight was good and that if you wanted to make a go of it, go do it now before it’s too late. I am happy that I did it now.
“Tiernan Power made the most of it last year, and there is plenty more before him. Michael O’Sullivan, Sean O’Keeffe, and JJ Slevin too. They all made the most of it when they turned, and if I can do half of what them lads did I would be very happy.”
Three of those track successes have come for Cromwell, who has supplied him with half of his rides to date.
“It’s brilliant. I can’t thank Gavin and his owners enough.
“He has given me plenty of support, and he has put a lot of trust in me, and I’m just delighted to be able to repay that trust with a big winner for him. I’m very thankful.
If I can keep getting a couple of rides every week, and hopefully the winners will come with that.”
The summer jumps campaign has seen a number of point-to-point regulars make the successful switch inside the rails, with a trio securing their first successes as pro’s in the month of July alone.
Meath native Eoghan Finegan opened his account at Cork when Small Bucks won a handicap hurdle on July 11th, and he too went close to securing a festival winner at Galway last week when having to settle for runners-up honours in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle on Sunday.
Paddy Cody announced his arrival within the paid ranks at Wexford last month when he teamed up with his uncle Ray to win a beginners chase aboard War Correspondent.
That victory was recorded on just a third ride since making the switch, and from five rides, the Kilkenny native has finished an impressive first or second in three of them.
22/1 winner on chase debut!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 23, 2025
War Correspondent runs out a first winner for rider Paddy Cody as a professional, scoring for uncle Ray Cody and in the colours of Gillian Cody at @WexfordRacecour pic.twitter.com/MMbOcxAkW2
