All about Oisin!
I grew up in Killarney and learned my trade riding ponies from the age of 4. I competed quite successfully in show jumping and that was my dream from a young age.
I've been retained ride for Qatar Racing since 2016. I gained my first group success on Hot Streak in the 2014 Group 2 Temple Stakes at Haydock. I went on to be Champion apprentice the same year, I then landed my first Group 1 on Acclaim in the Prix de la Forest in 2017 and have since recorded another 12, including four on 2018 Horse of the Year, Roaring Lion. In 2019 I was crowned UK Champion Jockey for the first time! And, in 2020 I was delighted to retain the UK Champion Jockey title.
Highlights for 2020 included: Kameko’s win in the Qipco 2000 Guineas Group 1 at Newmarket; Dream Of Dreams win the Betfair Sprint Cup Stakes Group 1 at Haydock; and, Alcohol Free’s win in the Cheveley Park Stakes Group 1 at Newmarket.
Early ambitions: Strangely, I initially wanted to be a builder! I soon realised that was misplaced when, at the age of seven, I dropped a concrete block on my foot! I think in the long run I’ve made a wise career change.
Biggest achievement: Undoubtedly winning on Roaring Lion at Leopardstown in the Irish Champion Stakes. Most of my family were there and the feeling after catching Saxon Warrior virtually on the line was overwhelming. Certainly my best moment in racing so far.
Aspirations: Two races that I really want to win in my career are the Derby at Epsom and the Prix de l'arc de Triomphe – so hopefully these are victories I can achieve in the near future.
Inspirations: There are so many. My family, my uncle Jim (Culloty) who’s always there with advice if needed, and most recently, Sheikh Fahad and his family for taking a chance on me. Aidan O Brien was very good to me when I spent my summers and weekends with him. I rode Ruler of the World in much of his work.
Unknown facts: Until the coverage on Derby Day, nobody outside the weighing room knew of my love of poetry, with Sylvia Plath a particular favourite. Most days it’s a toss up between poetry and the Racing Post, depends how my day has gone. Can’t say the same about some of my colleagues!
Funniest moment: Former jockey, Tom Brown, convincing me when I first came over to England that I needed to show my passport to cross over the Severn Bridge. I think I’ve just about forgiven him!