Image © Healy Racing
Name: Tristan Merrigan
Age: 22
From: Bansha, County Tipperary
How did you get involved with horses?
I got involved through my parents. My mum, Suzanne, has always been involved with horses and did plenty of eventing and show jumping, more so than racing, while my stepfather, Daniel O’Connell, always had ponies at home and kept a few point-to-pointers. We did a bit of everything growing up, with lots of show jumping and hunting with the Scarteen Hunt, and it felt like a natural progression from riding ponies to riding out racehorses. I’ve a younger sister, Bronagh, who’s ten and very into show jumping at the moment and riding away well, so hopefully she’ll keep going with it.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I can’t actually remember the name of the first one. I started riding out for Fozzy Stack when I was about 15, mainly at weekends and during school holidays, and just built up from there.
Where do you work full-time?
At the moment, I ride out for David Marnane in the mornings, and then we’re busy enough at home in the evenings with plenty of horses in and around the place.
Before that, I spent two years with Sam Curling, where I got plenty of schooling and experience and also picked up a few rides. Prior to that, I was with Fozzy Stack for around two years, mainly riding out at weekends and during school holidays.
How did the ride on Bansha Blue come about?
She’s a mare we bought ourselves. We bought her as a three-year-old store, broke her and got her going last year. She took a bit of time, so we gave her the summer off and didn’t rush her. She ran as a four-year-old and was unlucky – she probably would have finished second only for falling at the last. We brought her back in for this season.
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Were you expecting Bansha Blue to run well?
Yeah, we fancied her. Based on how she’d run previously and how she was working at home, we did think she’d win. Her work was always good and she jumps very well, so we were hopeful going into it.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It still hasn’t really sunk in yet, to be honest. I was riding again straight away in the next race, so there wasn’t much time to think about it. We’d been unlucky a few times before, with seconds and placings, so it was great to finally get one on the board. To do it at the local track and for the family made it even better.
Who owns Bansha Blue?
She’s owned by the Galtee Mountain Boys Syndicate, a group of local lads that includes my stepfather’s uncles, his father and my grandfather, along with a few other local supporters, so it was brilliant to get a winner for them.
Were your family there on the day?
Yeah, they were all there. It was brilliant.
Do you know what the plan is for Bansha Blue now?
She’s come out of the race well. The plan is probably to move her on now and try to get her sold over the next couple of weeks. She might go to the Goffs sale on Thursday if not sold in the meantime, or possibly Cheltenham Tattersalls Sale, depending on how things work out.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
Yes, I mainly wanted to do it for a bit of fun. It’s taken a while to get that first winner, so it’s nice to finally get there.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
I’d have to say Derek O’Connor. I think he’s pure class, the way he gets horses to relax and jump. He’s brilliant to watch.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
I’d ask plenty of people for advice, but my stepfather Daniel would be the main one. He’s very good that way and always willing to help.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
No, it’s all horses really.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Hopefully we can get another couple of winners. There are a few nice horses to run at home over the next few weeks, so the aim is just to keep improving and see what happens.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d just like to thank my family for all their support. They’ve been a big help along the way.
As a bonus for talented new point-to-point riders who feature in p2p.ie series of NextGen articles, Dungar Quality Oats will sponsor a special draw where one of the riders will win a cash prize of €500. All NextGen featured jockeys who have ridden their first point-to-point winner will be automatically entered into this draw. The draw will be conducted and prize winner announced at the end of the point-to-point season.
