Next Generation
Name: Josh Berry
Age: 17
From: Kilmore, Wexford
It was a fairy-tale start for rider Josh Berry who registered his first winner on his initial start between the flags at Castlelands on Sunday. It was a family affair on the day as the horse was trained by Josh’s father Johnny Berry and owned by his mum Shirley Berry.
How did you get started with horses?
We’ve horses at home, my father Johnny Berry trains point-to-pointers, so I started riding out for him. My uncle Darragh Berry also trains a few point-to-pointers. I grew up with ponies, mainly doing showjumping and pony club, I was in the Killinick Harriers pony club.
Did you always want to take out your Qualified Riders License?
I always wanted to take out my license since I started riding out at the age of 14. I started riding out for my father, I had also done some work experience for Denis Murphy. I’m currently riding out for my father and my Uncle Darragh Berry.
At 17, you must be still in school?
Yes, I’m only in 5th year at the minute so I have a long way to go yet!
Is there anyone you would like to ride out for or work for when you’re a bit older?
I’d like to get into a big National Hunt yard, like Gordon Elliott’s or Willie Mullins’.
You must have been delighted to get your first winner on the board, can you tell me a bit more about it?
I was delighted to get that first winner to be honest, we got the horse off of Liam Kenny to get a bit of experience on. I was just very lucky to be able to ride a winner on my first ride! It was a dream start for me really as my mum owns the horse and my father trained it!
Were your family there to there to see you ride your first winner?
The whole family was there on the day at Castlelands, my cousins and all were there to see it! My sister was there too, she actually led up A Rated on Sunday! So it was a real family affair.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Probably my father to be honest, he’s been a great help starting off my career.
Any jockeys that you aspire to?
Ruby Walsh.
Have you any ambitions for the rest of the season?
I hope to just get a few more rides and if I could get another winner before the season is over that would be great.
Have you any interests outside of racing?
I enjoy hurling, football, and soccer. I play for Kilmore in all three.
With the Cheltenham Festival coming up next week is there any horse you are looking forward to watching?
I’m looking forward to watching Honeysuckle in the Champion Hurdle. Unfortunately, I’ll be in school for the first two days but I’m off school the Thursday and Friday so ill be able to enjoy it then!
