It was a day to remember for 17-year-old Adam Ryan who partnered his first winner between the flags when guiding the Andy Slattery trained Dr Shirocco to victory in the six-year-old and upwards maiden for Novice Riders at Stradbally.
Ryan is a graduate of the pony racing circuit and made a big name for himself when crowned novice champion in 2019.
Name: Adam Ryan
Age: 17
From: Killenaule, Co. Tipperary
First Winner: Dr Shirocco - Stradbally
How did you get started with horses?
My cousin is Andrew Slattery who is a flat jockey and I started riding out in his fathers place when I was in first year and I have been there ever since.
The Slattery’s have been very good to me and are great for advice, they would always tell you what your doing wrong and how to improve. It’s brilliant to have their support.
You had been placed on Dr Shirocco on a number of occasions, were you confident of a good run on Sunday?
We were hopeful of a good run on Sunday, he battled and stayed on really well from the back of the last. It was great he got his head in front.
Pictured above Adam Ryan receiving a prize from Frankie Ward at Stradbally on Sunday
It must have been great to ride your first winner?
I was absolutely delighted to get my first winner and it was nice to have William there on the day.
What are your ambitions now for next the season?
To try get going, get my name out there and ride as many winners as I can.
Do you think the novice rider races are a good addition?
I think they are great addition, if gives lads with less experience more of a chance to get going.
Is there any rider in particular that you think people should watch out for?
Cian Quirke is a good rider, he is actually in the process of turning professional and would be great if he got going.
Who would have been your biggest influence in racing?
My cousin Andrew and definitely Andy, William and Brian they have been a huge help to me and have played a big part in getting me going.
Being so close with your cousin Andrew, were you ever tempted to go down the flat route?
My weight was never going to let me go down that route, I’m light enough but definitely not for the flat.
