My name is Conor Brassil. I’m 25 years old - I’m a national hunt jockey based in Co. Kildare. I was born into the horse racing life as my father (Martin) is a well-known trainer.

My Father was a fairly successful amateur jockey when working for the late Mick O’Toole, realistically me following in my father’s footsteps being a jockey was always inevitable.

When I turned Twelve-year-old, I started Pony Racing – that gave me a great understanding of the hustle-and-bustle of race riding. The sheer ecstasy of being a jockey is something I’d never get bored off and I’m fortunate to do for a job on a day-to-day basis - I don’t take anything for granted.

I’ve been freelancing for the past 2 years going into different yards all around the country however of late a lot of my time is spent with Gordon Elliott in Co. Meath. Mr Elliott is one of the top trainers in Ireland at the moment and his Cullentra House stables is great place to ride out - there’s continuously nice horses coming into the yard and to be a small part in his exceptional operation is a privilege.

I was fortunate to ride for Mr Elliott in the Martin pipe race at the Cheltenham festival last year; I finished third on Defi Bleu for influential owners Gigginstown house - I’d be hopefully of getting winner at big festival this season with any luck. hopefullt Mr Elliott will keep me in mind.

In my spare time I work at home with my father; he had an extraordinary season last year with City Island winning the Ballymore race at the Cheltenham festival for owner Sean Mulryan; he also sponsored the race which made it that bit more satisfying to win it.

We have a few nice sorts at home including ‘You raise me up’ a Galway festival bumper winner last year who ran well in Listowel festival last week finishing second on his first hurdle start, also Five-year-old ‘long house poet’ is another to note who has a big future ahead of him. He has run twice and won both of them races with ease. My Father holds both of them above-mentioned horses in the highest regard.

To say I have not had much luck on the injury-front this past three seasons - would be the greatest under-statement; I’ve been on the side-lines with various breaks – leg, foot twice, back eight ribs and collarbone - all of which I’m fully recovered from thankfully. I’ve had 2 winners this season so far and hope to have an injury-free winter and endeavour to get as many ride’s and winners to make up for all the lost time.

I believe with hard work and effort; you can achieve anything. I’m hungry for success. I hope my riding will portray my willing attitude - with a bit of luck I can build more good relationships with as more owners and trainers this term. Watch this space.