Young media-savvy rider with a fondness for a Welsh TV icon
Today’s Turf Talk Questionnaire guest is Irish-born Jason Keily, who used to be travelling lad for Vale of Glamorgan trainer Tim Vaughan but who is now based in France.
Jason’s passion for horse-racing began as a young lad when he worked for Irish trainer Pat O’ Donnell, who gave him his first leg up in a point-to-point, and he rode his first winner 10 rides later at Dungarven.
Jason, who has been granted a 10-week Racecourse Media and Jockeys Education Traineeship which covers all aspects of media, spent more than six years in Wales and “enjoyed every minute”.
He rode his first winner as a professional jockey at Hereford on a horse called Got The Urge, and said: “I later struck up a partnership with a lovely horse called Hawkhill and I also rode a winner at Carlisle on a horse called Hidden Identity. I’ve ridden at Cheltenham and Ascot, but I’ve always thought of the media as a possible future.”
Jason, who is full of praise for Tim Vaughan and his team, said: “I’ve been lucky to commentate at a few point-to-points and pony races and conduct a few interviews and I have realised it’s something I want to do.” Q: Where were you born? A: I was born in Herbertstown in County Limerick. Q: How did you become involved in horse-racing? A: When I was about 14 I visited local trainer Pat O’Donnell for the summer to do a bit of painting and some odd jobs. I became fond of the horses and eventually Pat and his wife Una, showing great patience, taught me to ride. I can’t thank them enough, as horses became part of my life. Q: Apart from horse-racing, what is your favourite sport? A: Athletics, especially distance running. My favourite distance is the half-marathon and I would love to break 75 minutes. Q: What was your most exciting racing moment? A: In 2015 I rode in a chase at Gemozac in France. It had all kinds of obstacles such as fences, hedges, walls, steep banks and a pathway through a forest. We didn’t win it but my old friend Pepito de Lune kept me safe. Q: Name your favourite racecourses? A: Sandown Park. Tingle Creek day is incredible. I also love Musselburgh, the racing is good and competive and the facilities are perfect. I always enjoy a few days there. Q: Have you any pet racing hates? A: I can’t believe that some racecourses do not provide racing staff with complimentary food. Some racecourses do a brilliant job and stable staff really appreciate it. Q: Which two people would you like to be seated next to at a dinner party? A: Sir Mo Farah and Brendan Gleeson. Q: What is your favourite television programme? A: When I moved to Wales I became a big fan of Gavin & Stacey. Q: Who do you admire most in racing? A: Champion jockey Richard Johnson. He’s incredible and the complete package. He has kind hands with all horses, yet his strength is incredible. His knowledge and feedback towards owners is fascinating and he does it all with perfect manners and modesty. I hope he remains champion for as long as he rides. Q: What is the best advice you ever received? A: Always treat people with the respect you would expect to be treated with. Q: What is your favourite drink? A: A Volvic strawberry water. Q: What is your favourite book? A: Domestique by Charlie Wedgelus, as it captures the torture and triumph of a professional cyclist’s life. Q: Finally, tell us something that we probably wouldn’t know about you. A: When I was a teenager I ran as an international for Ireland in the British and Irish mountain running championship. My mum has kept all my kit to prove it! Where are they now? Former Welsh point-to-point rider Hywel Davies – who won the 1985 Grand National on Last Suspect and whose first ride as a professional jockey on Mister Knowall in 1977 was a winning one – rode more than 700 winners.
He took over from his elder brother Geraint, whose most notable win was probably on Twigairy in the Tom Coulthwaite Chase at Haydock Park.
At 5ft 11in, Cardigan-born Hywel was rather tall for a jockey. He certainly knew all about the ups and downs of steeplechasing, having broken his pelvis at Chepstow, his jaw at Southwell and being given the kiss of life after a crashing fall at Doncaster.
I remember Hywel having his first winning ride in a point-to-point on a horse called Hampton Boy, which was described as “a pig” in the huntracing form book. Heather’s Son, Knight’s Queen and Romany Park were three good point-to-pointers he was associated with, while under Rules some of the good winners he rode included Barnbrook Again, Appialto, Ghofar, Katabatic and Royal Derbi.
Hywel was convinced that had Uncle Merlin, his mount in the 1990 Grand National, not stumbled on landing when jumping Becher’s on the second circuit, he would have won his second Grand National.
He said at the time: “Make no mistake, we would have won.” And few would have disagreed with him, so well they were travelling.
Paul Goldsworthy has contacted me after the August 22 Where Are They Now? item to inform me that his brothers Charlie and Keith are still living in west Wales and doing well. Perhaps more about them later.
You can send your racing news and views to Brian Lee by emailing brianlee4@virginmedia.com or phoning him on 029 2073 6438.