Image © Healy Racing
Name: Tommy Halford
Age: 19
From: Kildangan, County Kildare
How did you get involved with horses?
I always had ponies growing up. I did Pony Club with the Laois Hunt and hunted with the Kildares. I also did a good bit of showjumping and kept that up until last year. I did some pony racing as well and rode three winners.
I jumped up to 1.45m/1.50m and competed on the Irish junior and young rider teams. I had a really good horse called Greenvale Draco. He was a big part of it for me and gave me plenty of experience. My younger sister Jasmine is jumping him now as I don’t have the time for it anymore.
Dad rode as an amateur and trained for years, and Mam also rode as an amateur and did a lot of showjumping, so it was always kind of the way I was going to go. My younger sister Holly has been doing well on the pony racing circuit, and the twins Emily and Jasmine are flying at showjumping, so it’s all horses at home really.
I used to go racing with Dad a lot when I was younger, especially to Dundalk on Fridays. I’d get out of school early and head up with him. He had good success there and they’re good memories for me.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
The first racehorse I rode was Katiymann. He was my grandad Michael’s horse and I rode him out one morning when I was about 13 or 14.
He was a special horse for us. We all got started on him and he won at the Galway Festival for my grandad. He had a long retirement with us at home and sadly passed away last year. He meant a lot to the family.
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Where do you work full-time?
I’m working full-time with Cormac Farrell and I’m there six days a week. He’s only down the road from us and trains from my dad’s old yard, so it’s handy.
I also go to Paddy Kennedy’s in the evenings and I school a bit for the Neilans as well. It’s good experience riding different horses and learning as much as I can.
How did the ride on Grandorado come about?
I’d be friendly enough with John Neilan’s nephew, Mark Neilan, and he put my name forward for the ride.
Were you expecting Grandorado to run well?
I had finished second on him the first day I rode him at Cragmore, so I knew him well enough going into it. We thought he had a nice chance. It probably wasn’t the strongest race on paper and he was still improving, so we expected him to run a good race.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was the same sort of buzz as riding a winner on the track, but it was probably more relief than anything. I had been hitting the crossbar a few times, so it was nice to finally get it done and out of the way.
You’ve had plenty of track rides and three winners already. How important has that experience been?
It’s been a big help. Getting the opportunities on the track and riding winners gives you confidence. Every ride is experience and you’re learning all the time, so it definitely helps when you come back between the flags as well.
Your brother Josh is also riding as an amateur. Is there much sibling rivalry between you?
There would be a bit of rivalry alright. We get on well, but there’d definitely be arguments if something goes wrong! But we like to see each other do well.
Were your family there on the day of your winner?
Yes, Dad and Josh were there. Josh had a ride earlier on the card and Dad drove us up, so it was a good day for everyone.
Do you know what the plan is for Grandorado now?
I’m not sure, that will be up to the Neilans, but I’d say he might be offered for sale now.
You were recently sidelined with injury. What happened?
I broke my collarbone in a fall at a schooling race at Vicarstown on November 19th. It was frustrating at the time, but I’ve only had a few rides back since, so it was good to get a winner soon after coming back.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
Yes, I never really thought about doing anything else.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
I always liked watching Paul Carberry when I was growing up. At the minute, the likes of Jack Kennedy are very good to watch as well.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Dad would be the main one. He’ll let you know if you’re doing something wrong and keeps you right.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
Not really, it’s all horses.
Have you thought about turning conditional?
I’d probably be too heavy, so I’d be hoping to make a career as an amateur.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Just to keep getting rides and hopefully pick up another winner or two. I just want to keep riding as well as I can and keep improving.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d like to thank the Neilans for giving me the opportunity to ride Grandorado. Mam and Dad for driving me up and down the country to compete and to the races, and Cormac as well for being very good to me since I started out.
I’d like to thank the Neilans for giving me the opportunity to ride Grandorado. Mam and Dad for driving me up and down the country to compete and to the races, and Cormac as well for being very good to me since I started out.
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.
