It was a red letter day for Robbie Jackson who got off the mark on his 12th attempt between-the-flags when All Ears took the adjacent maiden at Borris House last Sunday. Currently doing his Leaving Cert, Robbie rides out for both Jessica Harrington and James Barcoe at weekends and school holidays.
The Wicklow native is quickly gaining plenty of experience and Jackson could certainly be one to watch in the future, especially as the 18-year-old intends to concentrate on riding full time next season.
Next Generation | Rider
Name: Robbie Jackson
Age: 18
Area: Kiltegan, Wicklow.
Are you from a racing background?
None of my family would be into racing. I started doing riding lessons through school and then an uncle of mine bought us a pony. That led me onto pony club, where I got a lot of experience competing in mounted games and hunter trailing.
How did you become involved in racing?
Jack Martin is a friend of mine from pony club, he is Pat Martin’s son and he brought me up to the yard a few times when I was 14 or 15, which is where the interest started for me.
When did you start riding out?
I started riding out about two and a half years ago for Jessica Harrington. I have been going in there at weekends and school holidays ever since.
Do you school or ride out for anyone else?
I did some work experience with James Barcoe through school two years ago and I still go in whenever I get spare Saturday or Sunday. I also spent a summer in the UK with Philip Hobbs to get some more experience.
Your doing your leaving cert at the moment?
It's busy in school as we are just finished our mocks. Things are getting real now for the Leaving Cert in June.
When did you get your licence?
I got my licence last season and had my first ride around Stradbally at the end of April. I had five rides last year in total, so it was great to get the bit of experience under my belt.
James has been giving you plenty of rides on All Ears?
I am getting plenty of spins off her, she is safe and a great horse to learn from. I am very grateful to James for keeping the mare for me to ride and the opportunities he is giving me.
.jpg)
You rode your first winner then on Sunday at Borris House?
It was a great thrill, I didn’t think it would come so soon, but I was delighted it did. She ran well around Tinahely in the Autumn and we were just hoping for a similar standard of race.
I thought the favourite would be hard to beat on Sunday, but thought our mare would run well. She had improved a lot from Punchestown so we were hopeful, thankfully she got the job done.
What is the plan for her now?
She will stay point-to-pointing for the rest of the season and we will probably go for a winner’s race this weekend at Turtulla.
What about your plans for the future?
I will probably to over to England again this summer, hopefully over to Tom George where Ciaran Gethings is based. Ciaran is from only down the road at home orginally.
I will spend a few months over there and I am hoping to work in Jessie’s when I come back. I will also try and ride out for as many point-to-point trainers as I can and get as many opportunities as possible.
Who has been your biggest influence in racing or who would you look up to?
I would try and model myself around Ciaran Gethings, we would be the same build and he gives me plenty of advice. I would have followed his career since he went over to England. Davy Russell would be an idol here, he is just very tidy and strong.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
I think just to work hard and be polite to everyone you meet.
Next Generation | Rider - Robbie Jackson
— p2p.ie (@irishp2p) March 6, 2019
18-year-old Robbie Jackson enjoyed a day to remember when partnering his first winner aboard All Ears at Borris House last Sunday. Read how the success came about here %u27A1%uFE0F https://t.co/h6KnQRSlaQ pic.twitter.com/QljudBOy9E
