Image © Healy Racing
Name: Sara Peyroles
Age: 27
From: Naas, County Kildare
How did you get involved with horses?
I’m originally from Normandy in France and rode ponies growing up, doing a bit of pony club, but nothing at a high level.
I moved to Ireland in 2021 to work in the stud industry and started off in Kildaragh Stud with Peter and Antoinette Kavanagh.
I only started riding out thoroughbreds about three years ago. I was with Bill Farrell on the Curragh and then went on to Cormac Farrell and Ian McCarthy, and that’s really where I got more involved in racing.
I moved to Ireland in 2021 to work in the stud industry and started off in Kildaragh Stud with Peter and Antoinette Kavanagh.
I only started riding out thoroughbreds about three years ago. I was with Bill Farrell on the Curragh and then went on to Cormac Farrell and Ian McCarthy, and that’s really where I got more involved in racing.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
It was a horse called Saul Goodman when I was riding out for Bill Farrell.
Where do you work full-time?
I ride out with Ted Walsh in the mornings from Monday to Saturday, and in the evenings I’m with Peter McCreery where I have a few point-to-pointers of my own and also a horse for bumpers. I ride out there as well, so I’m kept busy between the two yards.
How did the ride on Dacman come about?
My partner Paddy Hayes’ friend, Kevin Grainger, owns the horse and they gave me the ride on him in Punchestown to see how I’d get on. Paddy works for Patrick and Eddie Harty, so he’d be around racing as well. I got on well with Dacman from the start and kept the ride after that.
Were you expecting Dacman to run well?
We were hoping he would be in the first three, but I wasn’t expecting to win. He had come on a lot from his run at Monksgrange and the better ground suited him. He just kept galloping all the way to the line and was very straightforward.
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Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
There’s no feeling like it. It’s the best feeling I’ve had so far. It makes all the early mornings and hard work worthwhile, especially when I’ve only been riding out for a few years.
Were your family there on the day?
No, it was just Peter McCreery there. Paddy was racing in Leopardstown so he missed it.
Do you know what the plan is for Dacman now?
The plan is to go to Punchestown for the Bishopscourt if everything goes well.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
No, not at all. I rode in the stable staff ‘Up The Yard’ Challenge race at Punchestown in February 2024 when I was with Cormac Farrell and I really enjoyed it.
After that, Paddy and a few others encouraged me to go for my licence, and when I went to Ian McCarthy’s he pushed me towards getting my point-to-point licence as well. I’ve only had a handful of rides so far, but I just love it.
After that, Paddy and a few others encouraged me to go for my licence, and when I went to Ian McCarthy’s he pushed me towards getting my point-to-point licence as well. I’ve only had a handful of rides so far, but I just love it.
You’ve also had a few rides on the track?
Yes, I’ve had five rides under Rules, mainly in bumpers. I’ve ridden for Paddy as well and got a bit of experience that way. It’s been great to get a feel for it and learn more with each ride.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
Rachael Blackmore and Katie Walsh. I work with Katie as well and she was one of the best.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Paddy helps me every day, and Ted Walsh has been a big help as well. He lets me ride plenty of work and school and is always willing to give advice and help me improve.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
Not really, I spend all my time with the horses.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Dacman is the main focus now, and I have another horse of my own that I’d like to run on better ground. Hopefully I can pick up a few more rides and maybe get another winner before the end of the season.
Do you want to thank anyone?
I’d like to thank Paddy, Ted Walsh and everyone in the yard, Katie Walsh, Alan Donoghue, Peter McCreery and the owner Kevin Grainger. I’d also like to thank Ian McCarthy for all his help and advice and for giving me my first ride in a point-to-point.
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.
