Next Generation | Rider
Name: Tim Hyde
Age: 18
Area: Killenaule, Tipperary
Tim Hyde is the latest rider to feature in our Next Generation feature following his first career success between-the-flags aboard the Enda Bolger-trained Saint Benedict in the winner-of-one at Nenagh in February.
Former track performer All Hell Let Loose provided Hyde with his point-to-point debut at Aghabullogue in January 2019, and the pair had the misfortune of finishing second on no fewer than four occasions that season, including narrow defeats by both a short-head and a head.
The 18-year-old has already enjoyed success under rules when steering his father’s horse Stacey Sue to victory in a bumper at Cork back in August 2018.
Are you from a racing background?
My father and grandfather are Tim Hyde Jnr and Tim Hyde Snr and are behind one of Europe's leading yearling consignments, Camas Park Stud, they also produce point-to-pointers, so I have quite a huge background in racing.
I done quite a bit of hunting when I was younger and then from about the age of 11 I progressed onto riding racehorses.
How did you get started in racing?
As I mentioned I started riding out racehorses when I was about 11 for my grandfather and father.
When I was 16 I took out my licence and I started riding in bumpers. My first ride was on a horse called Feelin’ Groovey at Gowran Park in January 2018, I ended up finishing third.
I had my first winner under rules a couple of months later on Stacey Sue down at Cork racecourse.
Where are you based at the moment?
I am in the middle of doing my leaving cert, so I am actually not riding out at the moment. I fit in as much riding as I can when I am at home, other than that I just ride in point-to-points on a Sunday.
Have you ridden out for anyone else to date?
No its just my homeplace that I have ridden out in.
Do you have plans to ride out full time when you finish school?
I haven’t really thought about it, I do plan to stay riding but it will probably only be alongside of whatever I decide to do.
Can you tell me about one of your earliest racing memories?
My earliest racing memory would be going point-to-pointing with my father and grandfather to our local point-to-point at Lisronagh.
You were delighted with your win on Sunday?
It was great to get off the mark in points, as I had already rode my first winner under rules in August 2018 on Stacey Sue at Cork racecourse.
Saint Benedict is a great horse and he gave me a great spin, I go down to Enda’s every once and a while and I’d sit up on him when I’d be there.
We weren’t expecting him to win but we had a feeling he would be close, so it was great when he did win.
What’s the plan with Saint Benedict now?
The plan is to keep running him in point-to-points as well as run him in a couple of hunter chases.
What do you think about the opportunities for novice rider’s in point-to-pointing?
I think the novice rider races are a good opportunity for novice riders to gain experience however I do think it’s important for novice riders to ride outside of those races as you can’t beat the experience of riding with alongside the likes of Derek O’Connor and Jamie Codd.
How about another rider you think might be up-and-coming?
My cousin Harry Swan is definitely a rider to watch out for!
Who has been your greatest influence in racing?
My two biggest influences in racing would be my father and grandfather, everything I know I have learnt from them, they have been a massive influence on my riding career.
On a day when I am riding in a race, they always walk the track with me and give me tips on how to ride the race.
Do you play any sport outside of racing?
Unfortunately no, the only sport I am interested in is horse racing.
How do you relax away from racing?
To be honest with you at the moment I don’t really much have time for relaxing as I am in the middle of doing the leaving cert, so any free time I have, I am studying. I do enjoy reading and meeting up with friends when I can though.
