The national hunt season is really getting into full swing, and 19-year-old Downpatrick born jockey Danny McMenamin is eager to become the champion conditional jockey title this term.
This go-getting Northern Ireland man has settled well into his new surrounds in Britain, and he is optimistic he has gained the trust of many esteemed trainers to help him along the way.
Speaking to us on his intentions McMenamin emphasized;“I’m aware it will be a colossal battle to become the conditional champion jockey nevertheless I presently have 11 winners this season already; I’m game for a good go at. I feel I’m becoming a better rider all-the-time, and I’m riding with plenty of confidence to help my cause.
From a very early age, the writing was-on-the-wall McMenamin was fated to become a jockey; nothing else interested him from the outset; he was fortunate to have the backing of close family friends who directed him in the right path and gave him great foundation as a teenager.
Trainer Brian Hamiltion was influential part in McMenamin’s progression from becoming an average rider to becoming a strong-and-confident jockey; ‘Mr. Hamiltion always went above-and-beyond for me. I rode out for him at any given opportunity, whether it be summer holiday’s or the odd day of school; you’d find me at the Ballynoe stables” he added.
Meticulous McMenamin’s general day-to-day routines would be wake up at 6:30am get ready for work and be in work for 7:30am. Then he would then ride three to four lots till around 1 o’clock; then the midafternoons would be dictated whether he is engaged to ride at the racecourses. “I always busy everyday however it is a good complaint, it would be worse if I wasn’t in-demand” joked McMenamin.
Away from horse racing what keeps McMenamin busy? he responded ‘I like to keep my mind active; like playing football, or even just taking the dogs on a walk or playing pool with my friends. I normally don’t have much time away from my racing life.
We couldn’t let McMenamin go without him giving us a few horses to follow; “My Horses to follow ,are Ribble valley who is trained by my boss Nicky Richards he’s has a perfect start to his career winning 2 out of his 3 bumpers and is a nice prospect for the future. Big bad bear is another one to follow who showed a lot of promise in his bumpers and will be a good prospect to go hurdling this year. Last horse to follow would be Glinger flame who has had a great start to his hurdling Career and is a horse who is going places.
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing. McMenamin Is destined for big things.
