Galway born jockey, Rossa Ryan was only 16-years-old when he rode his first winner on the racecourse, on the Dot Love-trained Solar heat, back in December 2016 at Dundalk Stadium.

Unquestionably, Ryan was always destined to be a jockey, as he had been brought up knowing nothing else other than racehorses, his father David Ryan is a well-known figure in the training ranks in Ireland.

Ryan was a champion pony rider before taking out his apprentice licence, riding over 150 winners on the pony circuit, he certainly has made a perfect transition to the racetrack riding.

The talented rider has previously spent time with trainers Enda Bolger and Richard Hughes and now currently is one of the leading apprentices with Richard Hannon, since joining the powerful yard back in January 2017, Ryan is frequently among the winners and the future looks promising for this hardworking jockey

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

How did you get into racing?

I grew up heavily involved in racing, my dad is a jumps trainer, so it was never really in any doubt about me being involved in some capacity.

Most memorable moment?

Having a seven-timer pony racing on my birthday, must be one of the most memorable moments, so far in my career to-date.

Do you feel pressure when riding?

I feel absolutely no pressure at all, more excitement to get on with the job and to obtain the best possible position in every race.

How do you deal with trolling?

I don’t look at the bad messages, unless I’m in good form, then just laugh it off, thinking to myself, why write anything so sad like that, when they will never get anything out of it.

Give us a horse to follow?

This season my horse to follow is Raymond tusk, I really liked him when I was working him before he won first time out in Newbury, I always have liked him from the word go, he could turn out to be a very nice horse with the more racing he gets.

How do you relax, away from racing?

I have started getting into golf, it’s just a couple of hours without seeing any horses, it does the world of good to keep my head clear and stay focussed.