Image © Healy Racing
Name: Jessica Stokes
Age: 20
From: Fethard, County Tipperary
How did you get involved with horses?
I always grew up around horses. I started off doing a lot of eventing and hunting with the Tipperary Foxhounds. When COVID hit, I was 15 and didn’t have much to do, so I started riding out at home more. I ended up giving up the hunting and eventing because I just enjoyed riding out racehorses more.
Was racing always something you wanted to do?
I was always helping in the yard, but it wasn’t until I was about 15 that Dad said I was big enough to start riding them properly. I always had an interest, but that’s when I really got stuck into it.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I remember when horses would come back in from riding out and I’d get to sit up on them. The quiet one I was allowed sit on was Tara Blaze. I was only about three at the time.
Do you work full-time in racing?
Yes, I ride out full-time at home. We have around 20 in work - a mixture of point-to-pointers, a few for the track and some pre-trainers. It’s busy enough.
How did the ride on Primitic come about?
We bought him in Doncaster two years ago as just a fun horse for me to get going on and gain experience. He’s been great, to be fair to him. Touch wood, he’s always finished and always brought me home in one piece.
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Were you expecting him to run well at Lisronagh?
He’d been placed there back in November but he actually went lame after that and was off for a long time. He’s very hard to get fit, so when he pulled up before, he just wasn’t fit enough. He also loves his ground, so everything kind of fell right for him on Saturday.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was amazing, but it was also a bit of a relief. It felt like a long time coming because I was always placed and always close, but not close enough. I wasn’t sure if it was ever going to happen. To finally get it done was just brilliant.
You’ve also ridden a winner on the track in a QR Handicap at the Curragh – How did this compare?
There was more of a cheer at the point-to-point because it was local and there were so many people there that I knew. I probably got more of a buzz out of riding my first point-to-point winner because of that.
Were your family there on the day?
Yes, they were all there. My brother Jack actually led him up, and he has no interest in horses at all. Mam and Dad were there too. They put in all the hard work at home and they’re very good to me, driving me around everywhere and supporting me. It was special to ride a winner in my mam’s colours for my dad.
What are the future plans for Primitic?
We’ll probably go for a winners-of-one with him in three or four weeks’ time. That’s the plan at the moment and hopefully he can continue to progress.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
I suppose it was. I love point-to-pointing. I grew up going point-to-pointing most Sundays, so it was always something I wanted to do. People say I could ride on the Flat because I’m light enough, but I just really enjoy the jumping side of it.
How important is fitness for you?
It’s huge. I try to go to the gym two or three evenings a week. You need to be so fit, especially in points.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Rachel Blackmore. She’s achieved things no other woman has and broken boundaries that people thought were there. You can definitely see now that there are more girls riding. There was a ladies’ race last week with 18 runners — you wouldn’t have seen that a few years ago.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
My dad would be the first to point something out if I do it slightly wrong. But it’s constructive criticism. He’s there to give me advice and he’s good with the praise too.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
I’d love to ride Primitic again and hopefully he’ll run well in a winners-of-one in a few weeks. After that, it’s just about getting more experience, more rides and hopefully building on it.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
I’d like to thank my parents for all the support and the hard work they do at home, and for bringing my horse point-to-pointing whenever I want to run him.
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.
