About Oisín
I grew up in Killarney and learned my trade riding ponies from the age of four. I competed quite successfully in show jumping and that was my dream from a young age.
I have been retained ride for Qatar Racing since 2016. I gained my first group success in their claret silks on Hot Streak in the Temple Stakes at Haydock in 2014 (which helped me to be crowned Champion Apprentice that year) and my first Classic aboard Kameko in the 2020 QIPCO 2000 Guineas. My first Group 1 winner came aboard Acclaim in the Prix de la Forêt in 2017 and I have since recorded another 30+ more, including four on 2018 Horse of the Year, Roaring Lion.
After a couple of challenging years personally, I made a successful return to the saddle in February 2023 and went on to record a second Classic success on Mawj in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas three months later.
2024 was a busy year for me. I rode winners 216 winners in Britain, which helped me to become the leading rider over a calendar year and regain the Champion Jockey crown for a third time on QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October. I also travelled a lot and notched up 11 international victories, in Canada, France, Hong Kong, India and the USA, and achieved a long-standing dream of riding in a hurdles race over Christmas!
Early ambitions: Strangely, I initially wanted to be a builder! I soon realised that was misplaced when, at the age of seven, I dropped a concrete block on my foot! I think in the long run I’ve made a wise career change.
Biggest achievement: Winning on Roaring Lion at Leopardstown in the Irish Champion Stakes. Most of my family were there and the feeling after catching Saxon Warrior virtually on the line was overwhelming. Certainly my best moment in racing so far.
Aspirations: Two races that I really want to win in my career are the Derby at Epsom and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe – so hopefully these are victories I can achieve in the near future.
Inspirations: There are so many. My family, my uncle Jim (Culloty) who’s always there with advice if needed, and most recently, Sheikh Fahad and his family for taking a chance on me. Aidan O Brien was very good to me when I spent my summers and weekends with him. I rode Ruler of the World in much of his work.
Unknown facts: Not many people outside the weighing room know of my love of poetry, with Sylvia Plath a particular favourite. Most days it’s a toss up between poetry and the Racing Post, depends how my day has gone. Can’t say the same about some of my colleagues!
Funniest moment: Former jockey, Tom Brown, convincing me when I first came over to England that I needed to show my passport to cross over the Severn Bridge. I think I’ve just about forgiven him!