Caoilin leads Bill Baxter to success at Fakenham

Caoilin leads Bill Baxter to success at Fakenham

6 January 2021

DOWNPATRICK jockey Caoilin Quinn landed his first professional success on Monday afternoon at Fakenham.

‘Foxy’ as he is affectionately known, clinched the honours in the day’s 3.25 race, steering Bill Baxter home for his maiden win.

The victory was all the more remarkable given Caoilin had just secured his licence two days before Christmas.

Caoilin, who is now 19, has spent much of his time in England chasing his dreams as a jockey since he was 16.

He had been due to race on December 27, but his mount that day was a non-runner.

Caoilin did not have to wait long however to land his festive success as he tasted victory on Monday. 

As an amateur, he landed many notable wins. He is also a talented Gaelic footballer, having played for Downpatrick RGU through different age groups, most recently turning out for the club’s minors. His father Mark, who is a well known painter, captained the Down minor team to the All-Ireland title in 1987

Over the years the Downpatrick area has produced some outstanding jockeys.

The likes of Anthony Dobbin, Paddy Vaughan, Gerard Tumelty, Declan Lavery, Brian Hamilton and Danny McMenamin have had their fare share of successes in the sport of kings. Caoilin will be hoping to emulate their exploits.

Caoilin rode Sarim to victory in the 810 32 Red Amateur Riders race at Kempton Park, announcing himself on the scene in a big way in November, 2019. That was his first ever racecourse ride where he had his father present to cheer him home.

Caoilin turned professional in January last year, and both he and Danny McMenamin started out at Brian Hamilton’s Ballynoe stable. Like McMenamin, Caoilin took part in pony racing prior to obtaining his amateur jockey’s licence. 

He rode over 30 winners, including three at the famous Dingle Festival.