Image © Healy Racing
Name: Tommy Aherne
Age: 20
From: Mallow, County Cork
What is your background in horses?
We’ve always had horses at home. I came up through the pony club and hunting, and when I was about 11 or 12, I started riding out for Louis Archdeacon. A few years later, when I was 14 or 15, I began going into Eugene O’Sullivan’s yard. I was part of the Duhallow Pony Club and hunted with Duhallow too.
I did plenty of pony games and was meant to compete at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, but it was cancelled that year because of Covid.
My family has long ties with the O’Sullivans. Eugene’s mother, Mary (Mrs O’Sullivan), actually went to school with my grandfather Patrick and his siblings, and my grandfather used to have horses in training with Eugene before I was born.
My parents, Tom and Marie, both hunted, and my sisters, Sarah and Ciara, also hunt. Horses have always been a big part of life for us. When I wanted to start riding, Dad got his handler’s licence and went looking for horses to get me going. Both of my parents have been a massive help and support.
I never tried pony racing, I rode in a few pony club races at Dromahane. I also spent two years at MTU Cork completing my Green Cert, as we keep milking cows and sheep at home on the farm.
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What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I don’t remember her name but the first thoroughbred I sat on was a black four-year-old mare in Louis’. I think I remember the second one I rode better, as it ran away with me!
Louis’s children were in the pony club at the same time as me and he said to me one day at the pony club, did I want to come riding out. I said that I would love to, and that was the start of that.
Where do you work full-time?
I ride out for Eugene O’Sullivan three mornings a week and for Pat Doyle two days a week. I also help smaller trainers like Sharon Dunphy whenever I can and school horses for as many people as possible.
At home, I fit in our own few. Dad trains a couple, and I buy and sell a few half-breds. When I’m not in the saddle, I help on the farm with the cows and sheep.
How did the ride on All Rise Malone come about?
When I saw the entries for the novice riders’ race and noticed All Rise Malone was in, I asked Eugene if I could ride him. He said yes, and it worked out perfectly.
Were you expecting All Rise Malone to run well?
I’d schooled him and done a bit of work on him at home, so we were quietly confident. He’d run a nice race in a maiden hurdle over the summer, and if everything went right on the day, we thought he’d give a good account of himself.
How did it feel to ride your first point-to-point winner?
It was an unbelievable feeling! A huge relief, really. My first ride was back in February 2022, so it’s taken nearly four years to get there. I’ve been trying hard, riding as many as I could, so it was brilliant to finally get one in the bag.
Were your family there on the day?
Yeah, they were all there, my Mum, Dad, my grandfather, and my girlfriend. That made it extra special. Afterwards, we met up with Eugene to watch the replay and have a few pints!
Do you know what the plan is for All Rise Malone now?
If he’s not sold, I presume that he might go for a winners’ race. I’m not totally sure, but that will be up to Eugene.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
It was always in the back of my mind, but I thought I might be too heavy as I’m six foot tall. Thankfully the weight hasn’t been an issue, so I’ll ride as an amateur for as long as I can.
Have you had any rides on the track?
I’ve had one ride in a bumper and one in a hunter chase, both in my father’s colours.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Definitely Maxine O’Sullivan, or really any of the O’Sullivans. They’ve all been great to me, and I know I can always ring Maxine for advice.
The late Mikey O’Sullivan, God rest him, and Alan O’Sullivan were both brilliant to me and people I always looked up to.
At home, Mum, Dad, and my grandfather have been incredibly supportive. When I wanted to get going, Dad went out and bought a few horses and got his licence to help me along, and they still come racing nearly every weekend to cheer me on.
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What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given since you started riding?
Keep your head down and always try your best.
Is there anyone in particular you turn to for advice or feedback after a race?
Usually Maxine. She’s always at the end of the phone and gives me an honest opinion about what I did right and what I could do better.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I used to play rugby, but I gave it up. I still go hunting when I can and like producing a few half-breds to sell on.
What are your ambitions or goals for the rest of the season?
I just want to get my name out there, pick up as many rides as I can, and hopefully ride a few more winners.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d just like to thank everyone that has helped me along the way, the Archdeacons, the O’Sullivans and all the other people who have helped me. And of course my grandfather and parents who are my biggest supporters.
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.
