Short and sweet!
Newtown’s Adam on his best day so far and staying motivated
WHAT was your childhood ambition?
As my granddad was a farmer it was originally a vet, but a few exam results suggested that wasn’t going to be as easy as I’d hoped! I turned to racing because I grew up with the Lawless family and they introduced me to ponies and horses.
Growing up, who was your sporting hero?
I always loved watching AP McCoy and Ruby Walsh on Channel 4 racing on a Saturday. I’ve been lucky enough to ride against them and beat them, which is a bit surreal but racing allows that dream to happen.
What or where is your happy place?
My car! I enjoy driving to racing with a few booked rides and a chance or two, and driving home after a winner is always nice.
What sparked your love of racing?
I would have obviously watched racing on the TV and enjoyed it but my first clear memory is of going to the local point-to-point one Sunday and really got into from there.
What horse put you on the map?
I suppose winning on ‘Last Goodbye’ in the Chanelle Pharma Handicap Chase at the 2018 Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown was a great help to me; to win a big race at a big festival in Leopardstown was a big leg-up as it was on RTE.
Who is your favourite horse? ‘Heist’ is a horse I love as we have won four times together and he’s a real character. I exercise him a lot at home so I really know him. He really taught me a lot about race riding. He’s trained by Patrick Griffin in Oldtown in County Dublin.
What was it like to ride in your first race?
Those five minutes was actually a bit of a blur to be honest as it’s over before you know it. No matter how much riding out you do or schooling it’s nothing like a race. Everything is different and there are a lot more horses compared to the gallops!
How long does it take to learn race-riding tactics?
You don’t ever really stop learning. There are always things you could do different or do better in a race, every race and horse is different so it’s always evolving.
Describe the feeling of riding your first winner?
Shock. I’d over 30 rides over a long period of time so you get used to the feeling of not winning then suddenly you do win, it’s indescribable because it’s something never experienced before but the rush of adrenaline is unreal. A big relief too.
What is your most memorable racing moment?
I’d say winning on Last Goodbye at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown because it meant I lost my 7-pound claim in the process, it was a brilliant day.
What is your favourite racecourse in Ireland?
Leopardstown. It is a beautiful track to ride around and the fact it’s the most local track to me and I’ve had a bit of luck around there too.
If you weren’t a jockey what would you be?
My Dad owns a haulage company so I’d imagine I’d have gone down that route.
If you could ride one horse, what would it be?
Tiger Roll - he’s been great for racing.
How do you cope with pressure?
I probably didn’t deal with it that well when I was younger but I suppose the more experience you gain the easier it is to channel it into performing.
What mental preparation do you do for the big days?
I run the track before racing every day and I find that it’s a nice time to get in the zone and prepare for your rides.
How do you stay motivated? Riding winners is very addictive and every jockey wants to find their own Tiger Roll or Desert Orchid, that’s what gets you up in the morning.
How do you deal with dips in form?
It’s hard but you have to try and stay upbeat, learn from them and if there’s something that needs changing try work on it and always believe it’s never permanent.
Can you give us a Netflix/film recommendation?
The Tiger King
What is your guilty pleasure? Chocolate
Favourite dinner?
Steak dinner
Where is your favourite place to go on holidays?
A bunch of us went to Albuferia last year and had a great time so probably there.
What ambitions do you still have?
I’ve one winner left to ride out my claim and that would be a nice achievement.
What is the hidden gem of Wicklow?
Glendalough
When you think of Wicklow what immediately springs to mind?
Family
How are you occupying your time during the Covid-19 restrictions?
Still riding out a small bit and driving a small bit for the family business.
If you had one piece of advice for everyone during these worrying times of Covid-19, what would it be?
Stay at home and stay safe. It’s hard but it’s the right thing to do and it’s not forever.
If you were to go back to when you were 20 years old and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t be so hard on yourself Favourite saying/quote? What’s for you won’t go by you.