Image © Healy Racing
Name: Tadhg Stafford
Age: 18
From: Garristown, County Dublin
How did you get involved with horses?
My parents James and Haidee always had horses around the yard when I was growing up so it was only natural to be put on a pony from an early age. We kept a lot of half-breds and my dad would have had point-to-pointers. My uncle Paul trains racehorses over in Oldtown, and my grandad Tommy would have bought and sold horses too.
Mam and Dad have done a lot of buying, selling and breaking, and my sister Abbey runs the yard at home now. She does a bit of show jumping and pre-training, so we were always surrounded by horses and ponies. I did plenty of hunting growing up with the Ward Union.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
The first horse I rode work on was called Blue Raven for my uncle Paul Stafford. I think I was around 13-years-old, that was the first proper racehorse I ever sat on.
Where do you work full-time?
I’m based with Conor Maxwell five days a week. Conor has been very good to me and I've learned a lot there. He would have started off in my granddad’s years ago. He is a very good family friend. I've been with him since April.
I ride out for my sister Abbey every afternoon. On Friday mornings I go to Gavin Cromwell’s to school.
Where else have you gained experience?
I started off with Shane Crawley a few years ago. That was my first job away from home. I learned loads there. He was very good to me and taught me a lot about schooling over hurdles and fences, and riding all different types of horses. I owe him a lot.
How did the ride on Lawful Ruler come about?
I took out my licence last year and just needed experience. I first rode Lawful Ruler at Lisronagh in March, and he finished third, beaten a couple of lengths. After that I kept the ride on him. Abbey was good enough to keep putting me up, and she’s been very supportive.
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Were you expecting Lawful Ruler to run well?
Yeah, I was. I’ve done a lot of schooling with him since he was a young horse, so I know him well. He’s always been a nice type.
Did you get some kick out of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was great - I couldn’t get over it! I was especially happy to do it for Abbey because she’s put so much work into the horse. It was really special that my first winner came for her.
Were your family there on the day?
Yeah, Mum, Dad and Abbey were all there. My two other sisters, Becky and Holly, couldn’t make it, but it was a great day for the family.
Do you know what the plan is for Lawful Ruler now?
I’m not sure yet. We’ll see how he comes out of the race and talk it over. He could go for a winners’ race or maybe go to the track. There are a few options. He’s got a bit of ability, so he’s exciting.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
I always wanted to. I grew up watching racing and wanted to be part of it. Once I started riding the thoroughbreds, it just went from there. I got my licence last September and I’m loving it.
Have you had any track rides?
Yeah, I've ridden in two QR hurdles for Conor Maxwell and had a handful of rides for my uncle Paul.
Any future goals to turn conditional?
Not at the moment. I just want to get as much experience as I can as an amateur first, and then I’ll see what happens down the line.
Have you an interest in training?
I am already very involved at home with the horses. Abbey’s taken the reins now as a point-to-point handler, and she is fantastic at producing young show jumpers too. I’d love to train myself someday.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Definitely Davy Russell. I always looked up to him growing up. He’s just brilliant to watch, great hands, very cool in a finish.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Conor Maxwell would be the main one. I talk to him a lot after I ride, and he’s great for advice on what I did well and what I can improve on.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I play a bit of football for my local club, Garristown, but racing comes first. Football’s just something I do when things are quiet.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Hopefully I can get a few more winners on the board for Abbey and ride as many horses as I can to keep getting experience.
Do you want to add anything else?
Just a big thanks to Conor Maxwell, Shane Crawley, and Abbey for all the support and experience they’ve given me.
Just a big thanks to Conor Maxwell, Shane Crawley, and Abbey for all the support and experience they’ve given me.
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.
