Daire McConville is our latest rider to feature in our next generation section.
From Co. Armagh, 20-year-old Daire, who is currently in second year of Civil Engineering at Queens University in Belfast enjoyed a very memorable day at his local track at Farmaclaffey on Saturday as he rode a treble aboard He Knows My Name for the Watson family as well as Celtic Thunder and Longtymegone who he also owns.
This is Daire’s third season to ride in point-to-points and registered his first winner between the flags at Moira in December.
Name: Daire McConville
Age: 20
Area: Portadown
How did you become involved in racing?
There was always horses at home when I was growing up as my dad trains point-to-pointers. I started riding from a young age and when I was about 14 I began to ride out alongside my brother Michael who also rode in point-to-points.
I am now in university full-time in Belfast but I ride out every weekend and when I can during the week for Marshal Watson.
What's your favourite course?
Armagh is definitely my favourite point-to-point course as not only did I grow up going to it as it is my local track but to also ride a treble there was just brilliant.
Give us a horse to watch out for?
Marshal has a nice bunch of four-and-five-year-olds in for point-to-points this spring who have been showing us a nice bit so far.
What was the best day of your racing life?
It is definitely two years ago when our horse Anseanachai Cliste was crowned the champion point-to-pointer for the season. He has won eight point-to-points to date for us.
Do you do any sport outside of racing?
I play Gaelic for my local club in Annaghmore. We are just in our pre-season stage at the moment so I train a couple of evenings a week with them.
Who’s your biggest influence?
My brother Michael has always been a great help to me growing up and since I stared race riding. Marshal has also given me loads of advice since I started working for him and I can really see a difference in my riding this year as a result of everyone’s help.
What is your one of your favourite racing memories?
When I was growing up I always enjoyed watching Kauto Star. He was a class horse and always ran a big race.
If you could ride a horse in Cheltenham, who would it be and why?
I would have to pick Samcro. He is an exciting horse and has so much size and scope. He does everything so easy and must give you a great feeling to ride.
What are your plans for this season?
I would like to try and get a few more winners this season. In the future I would like to be able to continue riding alongside my studies.
To read about some of our other featured riders this season click on the link below.
Saturday was a day to remember for Daire McConville when he recorded a treble at his local track Farmaclaffley.
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) February 27, 2018
The Queen's University student is the latest jockey to be featured in our NEXT GEN series.
READ HERE https://t.co/rhPqZywh0d pic.twitter.com/7k4a1nUBxY
