Image © Healy Racing
Name: Andrew Kennedy
Age: 24
From: The Pigeons, Athlone, Westmeath
Dreamers Choice provided Andrew Kennedy with his first winner at Tralee just before the end of the current point-to-point season for handler Aidan Fitgerald.
Dreamers Choice provided Andrew Kennedy with his first winner at Tralee just before the end of the current point-to-point season for handler Aidan Fitgerald.
How did you get involved with horses?
We had ponies at home growing up. I did a bit of pony club with the Westmeath pony club, I also did a bit of eventing and hunting as well. I hunted with the Tipperary’s and the Glasson Farmers.
I started riding out racehorses with my uncle Aidan Kennedy. I was thirteen or fourteen when I started riding out there.
My dad bought me a pony to go flapping and he brought us everywhere.
I stopped riding out when I finished school as I went to University Limerick to study Business. In my final year, I went back riding out, I used to go into Charles Byrnes.
I finished college last May and then I went to work for Scobie in September.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
It was a horse called Character Actor, he was at Aidan’s. He won a couple of chases and a bumper as well I think.
How did the ride on Dreamers Choice come about?
Scobie has been very good about giving me rides. He gives great opportunities to anyone starting out and he gives everybody in the yard chances. He splits it up as best he can between us.
That was my third time to be riding Dreamers Choice.
What is he like at home?
He’s a great jumper, very simple and straight-forward individual.
Do you know what the plan for Dreamers Choice is now?
I'm not a hundred percent sure but I think he might go to the sales.
Did you get some kick out riding your first point-to-point winner?
Aw brilliant yeah!
Were your family there on the day?
My auntie Marie was there, I live with her in Kilkenny. My uncle Aidan was there as well. My parents missed this one, but they usually go to all the point-to-points. We’ll have to keep them away in future!
What would a typical working week look like?
I am in Scobie's everyday and then I go into my Uncle Aidan’s every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon.
Is there someone that you regularly seek advice from?
Scobie has been very good at giving advice and helping to try to improve my riding. My uncle Aidan has been very good to me as well for giving advice.
Did you walk the track with someone?
No, I walked it on my own. If the lads in the yard were riding as well, we’d usually walk it together.
What’s the best advice you have been given?
Just keep trying to improve.
Who has been your biggest influence in racing?
My auntie Elizabeth, she gave me a horse to run and my uncle Seamus has also been a big help to me. They have both had a big influence on me.
Was it always your plan to take out your license?
It kind of was when I was younger and then I stopped riding. When I went back riding out, I was enjoying it and I said I may as well give it a go.
Last summer was when I really decided to go about getting the license.
Last summer was when I really decided to go about getting the license.
When did you get your license?
I got my license in September last year.
What are your plans for the summer?
Just keep riding away and hopefully try to get more rides and be ready for next season.
Is there anything else that you would to add?
Thanks to Scobie and Aidan for giving me rides.
Thanks to Elizabeth as well for the horse and my uncle Seamus and also a big thanks to my parents, they have been a great support to me.
Thanks to Elizabeth as well for the horse and my uncle Seamus and also a big thanks to my parents, they have been a great support to me.
