The Start of the Turf
It’s been a while since we caught up with Oisin and before the flat turf season started he was picking up a few rides on the all-weather courses – a fine line between protecting his claim and keeping match fit, but as the season begins in earnest he is slowly starting to get busier.
Oisin had rides in both divisions of the Go Racing In Yorkshire Future Stars apprentice series, supported by White Rose Saddlery, which he won last year. He was booked to ride Carter Cowboy for Richard Fahey, a trainer he regularly rides out for and got a late call up to ride the Rebecca Menzies trained Love Your Work, following an injury to Adam Farragher, who broke his foot a couple of days before the meeting.
Oisin scored points on both of his mounts with Love Your Work finishing ¾ length in second and Carter Cowboy coming in fourth. This puts Oisin in third position in the table after round one of the renewal.
Go Racing In Yorkshire is proud to announce that we are sponsoring Oisin McSweeney for the 2022 season, which is part of his prize for winning the 2021 series. He has also received a saddle from White Rose Saddlery and is currently testing a pair of stirrups for the Malton based business.
The saddle he has chosen is 2lbs in weight but has small lead pockets under the flaps making it very versatile.
The stirrups are made by an Italian company who make stirrups for the general riding market and have developed this new technical product, made from an aluminium alloy and weighs 48 grams.
The tread and foot plate is a special design, made in collaboration with professional jockeys and they’re certainly a hit with Oisin.
“I’ve ridden four winners since I started using these stirrups and they’re still on the saddle!” Reported Oisin positively.
Oisin recently attend a pre-season flat jockey challenge at Jack Berry House in order to help prepare for the season ahead.
“Kevin Darley was there to help us on the equisizer and we spent a lot of time in the gym doing balance exercises and pull up and push up challenges.”
“Fitness is a key part of being a jockey and I’ve been spending lots of time at the gym to keep my fitness level up while the riding has been quieter, as well as focusing on building strength and condition.”
It’s a very busy time in the yard and the horses are running well with recent winners at Doncaster, Wetherby and Chelmsford.
Oisin said, “there’s lots of nice two-year-olds to look forward to and I can’t wait for the turf season to really get going”
Watch this space……