Image © Healy Racing
Name: Chloe Gunn
Age: 21
From: Mullinahone, County Tipperary
How did you get involved with horses?
Horses were always part of our lives growing up. Both my mum, Tessa, and my dad, Miguel, rode as amateurs, and my grandad Michael held a training licence when I was younger before my dad took over. I grew up with ponies and was always around the yard, so it was very natural for me to go that way.
I also did a bit of showing and a good bit of hunting with the Tipperary Foxhounds growing up.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
I honestly couldn’t tell you exactly which one it was. It would have been something at home. I was probably around 15 when I first sat on a racehorse.
Where do you work full-time?
Until last week, I was with Joseph O’Brien, where I spent two years. I learned an awful lot there and got great experience, but I’ve decided now that I want to move into a point-to-point yard, so I’ve just finished up and I’m looking for my next step.
Have you gained experience anywhere else?
Yes. The first yard I went to was Mouse Morris’s, where I spent two seasons while I was still in school. I learned a huge amount there and he was very good to me.
Between Mouse’s, Joseph’s and riding at home, I’ve been lucky to get plenty of experience.
I rode work on some very good horses, including multiple Grade 1 winner Home By The Lee, who I rode out regularly for the last couple of years at Carriganog.
How did the ride on Lair Du Laube come about?
I had been riding an older open horse, Robbin’Hannon, who taught me a lot, but we felt it was time to get something younger to help bring me on. We went to the Tattersalls May Sale looking for one and my dad picked out Lair Du Laube.
We gave him the summer and didn’t rush him, and Sunday was his first run for us.
Were you expecting Lair Du Laube to run well?
He had been working well at home and was in great form going to the race. I didn’t expect him to win, to be honest, but I thought he’d run a good race, and I was delighted with how it worked out.
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Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
I was over the moon. My family have been involved in racing for so many years, so it meant a lot to all of us. It was very special to get that first winner for them.
Were your family there on the day?
My mum and dad were there, along with a few friends. Unfortunately, my younger sister Eva and my grandad were both sick on the morning and couldn’t make it, which was disappointing, but it was still lovely to have so much support there.
Do you know what the plan is for Lair Du Laube now?
He’s only a five-year-old, so we’ll see. We’ve had a few calls about the sales, but no decision has been made yet. We’ll just take our time and see what suits best.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
I never really knew what I wanted to do when I was in school. I didn’t go to college, and I just knew I was enjoying the horses, so I decided to give it a proper go.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Rachel Blackmore would definitely be a big influence. She’s done so much for female riders and really showed what’s possible.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
My dad, mainly. We’re very close, and he gives me plenty of advice and guidance.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I play ladies’ Gaelic football with my local club, Mullinahone. It’s something I really enjoy away from horses.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
The main thing is getting a job in a point-to-point yard and riding as much as I can. I just want to keep learning, gaining experience and hopefully ride a few more winners.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d just like to say a big thank you to my family for all their support. My mum and dad have been behind me the whole way, and I wouldn’t be doing this without them.
I’d just like to say a big thank you to my family for all their support. My mum and dad have been behind me the whole way, and I wouldn’t be doing this without them.
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.
