Image © Healy Racing
Name: Colm Whyte
Age: 19
From: Craughwell, County Galway
How did you get involved with horses?
My uncle Gerry McMahon trained racehorses, and my cousin William McMahon rode in point-to-points. When I was younger, I would go over to them every day after school. That led to Pony Club and hunting, and then I started going to Paul Gilligan’s. I’ve been there nearly every day since.
I started riding very young, probably when I was three or four, if not younger. My father John has an interest in horses, and my older sister Aisling is interested in ponies and hunting too.
Do you still do much hunting?
I still hunt regularly with the Galway Blazers during the winter. I also go to shows with my cousins, William McMahon and Grace Murphy, who are big into showing. I enjoy going along with them, but I never really had the same interest in competing myself.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
It was a horse called Rock On Barney at Paul Gilligan’s.
Where do you work full-time?
I work full-time for Paul Gilligan. He’s only two minutes up the road, and the Gilligans have always been very close to my family and the McMahons. I grew up best friends with Ollie.
Was it always the plan to take out your licence?
I finished school, but college was never really on the cards. It was always going to be horses.
At the start, I was just riding for fun, but when I was turning 16 or 17, I started wanting to take out my licence.
You had your first three point-to-point rides on Samdegoda last season. Did finishing second at Belclare give you confidence?
It did. He was a good horse to get me going, and finishing second on him made me think this was something I wanted to keep doing.
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How did the ride on Seventy Eight Team come about as Liam had two runners in the race?
It had been the plan for a couple of weeks that I would ride her at Dartfield. It was always fairly settled that I’d be on her, but at home we thought there was only a toss of a coin between the two horses.
Were you expecting Seventy Eight Team to run well?
We were. She was working well at home, and she’s a very good mare who always tries her heart out for you.
Liam told me to jump off handy and then left it to me. He said to let her roll away and enjoy herself, and for me to enjoy myself too. He didn’t put me under any pressure.
At what stage did you think you could win?
Turning for home, I felt there was nothing coming behind me. I could see the horse in front starting to slow down and get tired, and I knew I had plenty of horse underneath me. I was thinking that if she kept going, we had a good chance.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was unbelievable. You know everyone there, and I’ve been going to Dartfield since I was a young lad, so to ride my first winner there was very special.
Were your family there on the day?
They were. My family and nearly everyone I know were there. The Gilligans were delighted for both me and Liam because it was his first winner as a handler too.
We went for dinner afterwards, but I had to go and feed my horses, so I didn’t get much chance for a big celebration.
Do you know what the plan is for Seventy Eight Team now?
I’d imagine she’ll stay pointing. She hadn’t actually won going into that race, so she could probably run in another winners’ contest before moving up to opens, but that will be up to the Gilligans.
She came out of the race 100 per cent and was in flying form the following morning.
You also had three track rides over the summer. How did you find that compared with point-to-points?
It’s different because everything happens a bit quicker. You probably don’t get quite the same buzz as you do in point-to-points, jumping the fences, but the track rides are still very enjoyable.
Riding at the Galway festival was unbelievable. Dartfield and Galway were the two places I’d always wanted to ride, and I’ve got to ride at both now, so I’m a happy lad.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
You look up to jockeys like Davy Russell and Paul Townend. Probably Davy Russell, because he started in point-to-points and went on to achieve so much.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
I’m always talking to Paul and Liam. They’re like family to me, so I can go to them with anything and ask for advice. It’s nice to have that support.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I play a bit of hurling for Craughwell. During the summer, we trained two nights a week and normally had a match at the weekend. We were knocked out a few weeks ago, so that’s finished for the winter.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
Onwards and upwards, hopefully. I’d like to keep getting a few spins and maybe pick up some outside rides. Another winner would be great too.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d like to thank Paul, Natalie and Liam for giving me the chance to ride her and always looking out for me. I’d also like to thank my parents for putting up with me and the horses.
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.
