Image © Healy Racing
Name: Graham Devitt
Age: 25
From: Stradbally, County Laois
How did you get involved with horses?
I suppose like most people it started with Pony Club. I was with the Laois Pony Club growing up and did a bit of everything – showjumping, hunting and even a bit of flapping as well. My family are all involved with horses, so I’ve been around them all my life.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I honestly couldn’t tell you the exact horse, but it would have been when I started riding out for James Fahey as a teenager.
Where do you work full-time?
I ride out for Peter Fahey in the mornings during the week and just before Christmas I started going down to ride out for James Kenny on Saturdays. I've had a few spins for Gemma Dewhurst, who has been very good to me and given me plenty of opportunities to gain experience.
I also do a bit of work with Horse Racing Ireland in the finance department. I’m actually a qualified accountant, so it’s something to fall back on alongside the racing.
How did the ride on The Orphan Girl come about?
James Kenny rang me during the week and asked if I would ride her. I’d sat on her once at home, so I knew a little bit about her and was delighted to get the opportunity.
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Were you expecting The Orphan Girl to run well?
Her form in the book suggested she had a good chance. She was stepping into the five- and six-year-old division but she had good form and we thought she would run a big race.
Did the race go to plan?
The plan was to go out and make the running and steady things up a bit down the back. Then hopefully let her get a blow and pick it up again from about three out.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It’s a big relief more than anything. There’s a bit of pressure when you’re trying to get that first one on the board, so it was great to get it done. Once you ride one winner you just want to ride more. It was a great buzz.
It was also nice to ride James' first winner as a handler.
Were your family there on the day?
No, unfortunately they weren’t there. It was just the lads from James’s yard as I travelled up in the lorry with them. The journey was definitely shorter on the way home!
Do you know what the plan is for The Orphan Girl now?
That will be up to her connections. I’d say she might go for a winners’ race next, but I think there was also talk about possibly selling her if the right offer came along.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
Yes, it was always something I wanted to do, although I probably took it out a bit later than most people. A few lads were encouraging me to do it and thankfully it has worked out.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
My brother Andrew has been a big influence. He works over with Evan Williams and I’d be on the phone to him a lot discussing races. My dad has also been a big support and always encouraged me to stick at it.
Is there anyone in particular you turn to for advice?
Definitely Andrew. I’d always ring him before or after a race and we’d go through things together.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
Not really to be honest – it’s mostly horses.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Just to keep the head down and ride away and hopefully get a few more winners.
Do you want to add anything else?
Mark Farrell was very good to me and helped get me down to James Kenny’s yard in the first place, so I’d like to thank him. And of course thanks to the connections of The Orphan Girl for giving me the opportunity.
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.
