The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
‘It’s the Cheltenham of pony racing...’
STAR JOCKEYS JACK KENNEDY AND PAUL TOWNEND CHAT TO STEPHEN FERNANE ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE OF RIDING IN IRELAND’S LEADING PONY RACING FESTIVAL
THE Dingle Races is long considered a valuable stepping stone in the career of jockeys – jumps or flat – the majority of whom have learned their trade in the cut and thrust of pony racing. Three-time winning Gold Cup trainer Henrietta Knight is on record as saying Irish jockeys have that extra edge to their craft due to the skills they pick up from pony racing, with its sharp tracks and lively racing producing the sort of latent skills that jockeys later call upon as professionals.
Jockeys of the quality of Pat Smullen, Shane Foley, Wayne Lordan, Chris Hayes, Nina Carberry, Richard Hughes, Oisín Murphy, Colin Keane, Davey Condon, and Barry Geraghty is a sample of the stars of the turf that have all rode in Dingle. In short: the Dingle Races was the starting point long before memorable headlines were made in places like Cheltenham, Punchestown, Aintree and Ascot.
Jack Kennedy is one of the sport’s top riders and he appreciates the education he gained from riding the pony tracks of Ireland. The Dingle Races are a huge part of the Kennedy family’s story as Jack’s dad, Billy, trained horses that helped shape Jack’s early career, including his famous Dingle Derby win in 2014 on Coola Boola. The winning post in Ballintaggart is a place Jack has never forgotten.
“Anyone that’s pony racing knows Dingle is the main event in the year. It’s the Cheltenham of pony racing as the whole year revolves around it,” Jack said.
“It’s a great grounding for anyone starting off. The experience is second to none as the tracks are tight compared to real racetracks, which helps you in your balance and in finishing a race. It also teaches you to ride upsides other horses in a competitive race. If you saw a lad who had a ride in a pony race against one who had not, you’d be able to tell the difference.”
Jack concluded: “Dingle Races are naturally that extra bit special to me as I’m from Dingle. My dad used to train a couple of horses for me when I was pony racing, including the Dingle Derby winner. It’s where it all started for me, and there’s been many other jockeys before my time who have raced at Dingle before going on to be the top in their sport.”
Another star of the saddle who remembers his days at the Dingle Races is Paul Townend. The former Irish Champion jockey is today a key part of trainer Willie Mullins’ team, but the 28-year-old holds the Dingle Races in high regard. Paul has over 260 career wins to date, including aboard the likes of Douvan, Hurricane Fly and Quevega,
“I had heard of the Dingle Races way before I ever rode there through my cousin Davy Condon who used to enjoy riding there,” said Paul.
“Pony racing is huge for young riders, and where you can really see the difference is between the Irish and English apprentices on the flat. The advantage the Irish lads have because of pony racing is obvious. The way they’re trying to build pony racing up over in England now is proof of this.” Paul said pony racing is as much about learning how to handle the gear, weighing out and dealing with owners and trainers as is it about riding a race. Keeping a horse balanced is another hugely important aspect for Paul as a lot of the tracks in the pony circuits are tight. Paul believes the skills he gained from pony racing have all been positive and helped him once he turned professional.
“It really helps sharpen young people coming through the sport as it teaches them how to ride a horse in a finish and helps once they set foot on a racecourse. You can’t make a horse go faster than it can and pony racing teaches you at a young age how you can deal with that in a race situation.
“Getting away at the start is also important and you learn how to keep a straight line. Fitness is another huge advantage in pony racing as riding 6 or 7 races a day makes you realise how fit you have to be to keep sharp. There is no better place to experience the hustle and bustle of pony racing than at Dingle,” Paul said.