Quinn magic

Quinn magic

17 January 2024

DOWNPATRICK jockey Caoilin Quinn has set his sights on a Grand National debut following outstanding victories across Wales and England.

The 22 year-old capped off a fine 12 months with his biggest win to date, riding 9/2 shot Nassalam for trainer Gary Moore to a clear 34-length victory in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow just a few weeks ago.

The exciting conditional jockey followed this up with another eye-catching result, passing the judge first at the Sussex National on eight year-old Dom of Mary.

That made it a delightful double for Caoilin, who earlier that day won the BetGoodwin Tom Cannon Juvenile Hurdle with Through The Ages.

As the dust settles, the promising talent reflected on what he called “undoubtedly the biggest win of his career” and his thoughts in the build-up to that famous Welsh Grand National win. 

“We thought Nassalam would have a chance having won the trial a few weeks before,” said Caoilin. 

“The trial was half a mile shorter than the actual race, but he’s a different horse when it comes to heavy ground. I couldn’t believe it when I looked back at the finish just how far ahead of everyone else I was.”

Just hours after his big race win, Caoilin was speaking to family members back home who were “delighted” and “just as shocked” as he was that he had won by such a large margin.

That race was just the third time Caoilin had ridden Nassalam competitively but it was clear the pair have a winning connection.

Trainer Moore revealed after the victory that the horse would be aiming for Grand National glory at Aintree this year but it still remains to be seen who will be on the saddle when the biggest race of the year rolls around.

“Some say it’s hard to take a winning jockey off of a horse,” said Caoilin.

“So I’d say I’m definitely in contention for the big race, but Gary’s son, Jamie, is also an excellent jockey and is currently sidelined with injury at the minute.

“If he recovers well and in time then it’ll be up to the owners but, whatever happens, I know i’m still very young and will hopefully have many chances to fulfil that dream.”

Caoilin’s sparkling form continued just 11 days later when he rode Dom of Mary to victory at Plumpton, this time under trainer David Bridgwater.

“At Sussex we felt confident that Dom of Mary could do it,” reflected Caoilin.

“But David Bridgwater had been working towards that goal consistently, so we knew he could do the business.”

Caoilin made the switch across the waters to ride as an amateur jockey at just 16 and resided in Lambourn for four years before moving to his current stables in Sussex under Gary Moore.

Making such a big lifestyle change at a young age was challenging but both Caoilin and his family knew it was essential for his development.

“Initially my family were upset at me leaving but they understood that if I wanted to make this my career I had to make the move,” said Caoilin.

“I’ve always had a love for the sport and I got my first pony when I was six, so this didn’t come as much of a surprise.

“I did a lot of pony racing up until I was 15, but funnily enough I’ve never actually ridden horses competitively in Ireland.”

Despite all of his recent successes, Caoilin remains grounded and is taking everything “day by day” although he does admit the Grand National is present in the back of his mind.

He also expressed his delight at the support he receives, especially from his hometown.

“It’s massive to know everyone back home is supporting me and watching me on the television wanting me to win.

“My family have a great link with Downpatrick RGU also and I have fond memories of the town which I know are right behind me.

“I can’t thank my family enough for always sticking by me and the support they’ve shown me throughout the years. I hope I can continue to make them proud.”