UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH SEAN O’KEEFFE

WHAT WAS your childhood ambition?

I always wanted to be a jump jockey.

Growing up, who was your sporting hero?

In racing, AP McCoy, and in tennis, Roger Federer. Do you have a mentor?

My dad is always good to keep my feet on the ground, and the trainer Denis Hickey was very helpful when I started riding in point-to-points.

What or where is your happy place?

Riding out our horses at home.

What sparked your love of racing?

I grew up with horses and we always went point-topointing on Sundays – horses were always in my life. What horse put you on the map?

Jetez gave me my first big winner at the 2018 Leopardstown Christmas Festival for Jessica Harrington. Who is your favourite horse?

Buckie Cullen. He is trained by Denis Hickey and I have won two point-to-points on him – I’ve a soft spot for him, he is a lovely horse.

What was it like to ride in your first race?

I was hooked on the buzz straight away. It was really exciting to be in the weighroom with all the top jockeys too.

How long does it take to learn race-riding tactics?

You are always learning; every race is different – I only got my first amateur licence four years ago. Describe the feeling of riding your first winner? I rode my first winner, Cordovan Brown, for Liz Doyle at Punchestown in October, 2017. It is a feeling you cannot compare to anything else. Crossing the line in front was brilliant.

What is your most memorable racing moment? Winning the Matheson Handicap Steeplechase at this year’s Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown on Eclair De Beaufeu is my most memorable racing moment so far. It is my biggest winner to date, and to ride for Gordon Elliott was brilliant.

What is your favourite racecourse in Ireland? I love Wexford which is my local track – my family are always there to support me.

If you weren’t a jockey what would you be?

A farmer.

If you could ride one horse, what would it be? Sprinter Sacre.

How do you cope with pressure?

I don’t normally feel pressure, but a little bit of pressure is always good to help you concentrate!

What mental preparation do you do for the big days?

Knowing that I have done my homework on the horse I’m riding and on the race I’m riding in.

How do you stay motivated?

I am doing what I love so I always think of that. How do you deal with dips in form?

I try not to think about it too much and I keep looking forward to the next day.

Outside of racing, what is your favourite sporting moment?

Ireland winning the Rugby Grand Slam in 2009 sticks in my memory.

Can you give us a Netflix/film recommendation? The last thing I watched on Netflix was The Bodyguard and really enjoyed it.

What is your guilty pleasure?

My mother’s home baking.

Desert island discs – name your favourite three songs?

Snow Patrol - Don’t Give In; Oasis – Wonderwall; Gerry Cinnamon – Canter.

What person do you admire the most and why?

AP McCoy – the ultimate professional in everything he does.

Favourite dinner?

Steak, fried onions and pepper sauce.

Where is your favourite place to go on holidays? Anywhere with sunshine please!

What ambitions do you still have?

To ride out my claim and be champion jockey one day.

What is the hidden gem of your home county? Forth Mountain. It’s near to my family home, a lovely spot.

When you think of your home what immediately springs to mind?

Family and the farm.

How are you occupying your time during the Covid-19 restrictions?

I am kept busy riding out in Jessica Harrington’s and at home, and working on the family farm.

What is the first thing you would like to do when we get back to normal?

Hopefully ride a winner!

Favourite saying/quote?

The harder you work, the luckier you get.