Image © Healy Racing
Name: Mark O’Flynn
Age: 19
From: Glenville, County Cork
How did you get involved with horses?
My parents weren’t really into horses, and we didn’t have any horses at home. I was just mad to get a pony when I was a kid.
I got a pony when I was 10 or 11 years old. I started doing a bit of hunting with the Coolnakilla Harriers. I never did any showjumping or pony racing, it was all hunting. I used to go hunting every Sunday and just ride the pony out during the week. I didn’t take any lessons or anything, I’m self-taught. I suppose I learned the hard way!
How did you become involved with racing?
My father used to be very good friends with a farmer and when we visited him we used to pass by the trainer Johnathan Sweeney’s yard. I said to my father when passing one of the days that I wouldn’t mind being in there.
My father stopped one day and asked John if I could go in to help out, so I went in one Saturday and that was it. I started going in to ride and help out at any chance I got. I was still at school, probably about 11 or 12 at the time. I also used to go into Richie Foley’s in the evenings. Both Richie and John have been a great help to me.
Did you finish your Leaving Cert?
School wasn’t really for me, but I stuck with it until I had my Leaving Cert. It was hard going as I just wanted to be riding horses all the time.
What was the first racehorse you ever sat on?
Yes, It was a mare called Ten Allin at John’s.
Where do you work full-time?
I’m with John Monday to Saturday, just in the mornings. Then in the evenings I have a few at home. I keep a couple of my own pointers at home along with a few half-breds that I buy and sell. I keep tipping away.
How did the ride on Ludovico Sforza come about?
Well it was said at John’s early on that I could maybe ride him. I schooled him in Boulta a few times and the owner John Fitzgerald was then happy enough to let me ride him in his race.
Were you expecting Ludovica Sforza to run well?
John had him fairly fit beforehand, but it was hard to know first time out, thankfully things worked out on the day.
He made a mistake at the second last and kind of knuckled on landing, I was lucky enough to keep him going and he winged the last. He’s a very honest horse and he picked up and battled gamely to the line for me.
Can you describe the feeling of riding your first point-to-point winner?
It was unbelievable. I was lucky that I got up in a close finish, I wish that I could go back and ride it again, just to get that feeling. It was amazing!
Were your family there on the day?
My mam, dad and my brother were there supporting me. We went back to Fermoy with the trainer John afterwards. We went into Richie Flynn’s pub for a couple of drinks and he put the race on replay for us. It was a great day.
Do you know what the plan is for Ludovica Sforza now?
I’m not really too sure to be honest. We will see how he comes out of the race before making plans.
Was it always the plan to take out your license?
When I started in John’s it was point-to-pointing from there on. I always wanted to give it a shot.
I just took out my license last year and I had only the two spins on my own horse, Donnachas Island, in May. I’ve had five outings on my own lad and Ludovica Sforza was my sixth ride last Sunday.
Who is your biggest influence in racing?
I grew up watching the likes of Davy Russell and AP McCoy. Sure they were the best around.
Is there anyone you turn to for advice?
Brian Hayes would come in to ride out the odd day at John’s and if I’m stuck, I can ask him. He is very good for advice and giving me tips when I’m doing something wrong. He is very helpful.
Have you any interests or hobbies outside of racing?
I used to do a bit of hurling, but I’ve got too busy the last couple of years with the horses at home. The interest is still there, but I just don’t have the time.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the season?
I’ll try to get a few more rides and see how I go. It would be amazing to get my name out there a bit and pick up a some outside rides.
Do you want to add anything else?
I’d just like to thank John and the owner John Fitzgerald for letting me ride the horse. They put their faith in me and I’m glad that I was able to ride a winner for 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.
