Image © Healy Racing
Name: Luke Turner
Age: 19
From: Carndonagh, Donegal
How did you get involved with horses?
My father Ryan owned a few horses over the years and also trained a few pony racers. I have three sisters and a brother, none of whom are particularly interested in horses, although my younger sister will help out at home.
I always loved horses and learned to ride at a local riding school, taking lessons regularly between the ages of four and nine. I didn’t do any showjumping or hunting growing up. I started pony racing when I was nine and rode a handful of winners, it was great experience for me at that age.
During Covid, when I was about 15, I was bored at home and complaining to my father, so he made a few phone calls and arranged to “ship me off” to Willie Mullins’ yard in Carlow.
It was the best thing ever. I’m so grateful for all the experience I’ve had since joining there.
It was the best thing ever. I’m so grateful for all the experience I’ve had since joining there.
Where do you work full-time?
I’ve been in Willie Mullins’ since I was 15, though I took a year out last season to work with Aidan “Scobie” Fitzgerald. I’m now back in Closutton full-time.
When was your first track ride?
My father gave me my first track ride on a horse he owned called Mister Vic in September 2022 at Roscommon, trained by Mervyn Torrens.
Scobie Fitzgerald gave me my first ride in points aboard Commander Of Ten at Curraghmore in October last year.
How did the ride on Rebel Reba come about?
I used to ride out a lot for Barry Fitzgerald, and when he moved to Eamonn “Dusty” Sheehy’s yard, I went down there too to school and ride work on Sundays. I finished fourth on Rebel Reba last year at Tullaherin, so they were happy to keep me on her.
Were you expecting Rebel Reba to run well?
Yes, we were. After the summer break we thought she’d be a stronger, better mare. She jumps really well and had been working well at home.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was great. I’ve ridden two winners on the track, but that was two years ago. Point-to-pointing is the way I want to go, so it was fantastic to get a winner on the board. I was absolutely delighted.
How did that compare to riding a track winner, most notably Annamix in the Tetretema?
Winning the Tetretema was a massive day for me, one I’ll never forget. But every winner is special. Winners are hard to come by, so it’s important to appreciate each one.
Were your family there on the day?
Unfortunately, they weren’t, but they were just as delighted as I was when they found out.
Do you know what the plan is for Rebel Reba now?
If she’s not sold, there’s talk of a winners’ race or a bumper. That’ll be up to Dusty and the owner.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
Yes. Since I was very young, being a jockey was all I ever wanted. School was never really an option for me, so I was lucky to start with Willie Mullins at 15. It kind of snowballed from there and I’ve been very lucky.
Have you any plans to turn professional?
I’m six foot tall and always have to watch my weight, so I’m happy staying amateur.
Who has been your biggest influence in racing?
Patrick Mullins has been exceptionally good to me. He’s a fantastic rider and, being tall himself, he understands the challenges. He’s always there to offer advice and help me improve. He’s also been very good to me and gave me the opportunity to ride Annamix.
Is there anyone else you turn to for advice?
I always call my father after every ride. He’s the first to tell me when I’ve done something wrong, but he’s also quick to point out what I’ve done right.
Patrick Mullins too, he’s great at advising me how to ride a particular horse or track. Their input is invaluable.
Patrick Mullins too, he’s great at advising me how to ride a particular horse or track. Their input is invaluable.
Do you have any interests outside racing?
I don’t have any other interests than racing, I go to the gym a few evenings a week to keep fit, but racing is my main focus.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
I’ve had around 20 rides on the track but only seven in points. I’d like to get my name out there and pick up more point-to-point rides. With a bit of luck, I’d love to get another winner or two on the board.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I’d like to thank Dusty Sheehy and owner Noel O’Reilly for giving me the opportunity to ride Rebel Reba.
A big thanks to my mum and dad for all their support, along with everyone who’s helped me along the way.
As a bonus for talented new point-to-point riders who feature in p2p.ie series of NextGen articles, Dungar Quality Oats will sponsor a special draw where one of the riders will win a cash prize of €500. All NextGen featured jockeys who have ridden their first point-to-point winner will be automatically entered into this draw. The draw will be conducted and prize winner announced at the end of the point-to-point season.
