Downhill Thrills:
Supporting Dr. Philip Prichard at his annual Soap Box Race
It was great to head down to Berkeley on Sunday, 29th August, to support Dr. Philip Pritchard at his third annual Soap Box Race. Noel Fehily Racing sponsored the prize for the fastest run of the day, and we had jockey Paul O’Brien proudly representing us in our colours.
The course ran for three and a half furlongs downhill — and let’s just say, you might think riding in races is brave, but there’s no way id get on one of those soap boxes for love nor money!
Former 20-time Champion Jockey, A.P. McCoy, was also there to support Phillip. Having been looked after by him for many years, he made it clear he wasn’t about to take a ride down the hill either — “no chance” was his verdict — so he stuck to spectating.
Philip Pritchard really is one of life’s gems. As a racecourse doctor, his love for racing and care for jockeys has always gone above and beyond. He’s been the kind of man who was always on call, day or night, ready to do whatever he could to help. Countless jockeys, including Noel, myself and A.P., have leaned on him in the weighing room over the years.
I still remember when Noel broke his wrist but was desperate to ride at Kempton Park one day. Philip stepped in and administered an injection directly into the wrist — not something that would’ve been strictly legal — but thanks to him, Noel was able to take his rides that day. Thats Phillip all over: dedicated, resourceful, and completely committed to the sport and its people. As he was a jockey himself he understood our mentality.
Celebrating the Career of Niall Houlihan
Niall Houlihan is a Grade 1–winning jockey who rode exactly 100 winners in his career, including big-race triumphs on Editeur Du Gite in the Clarence House and Desert Orchid Chases, as well as a memorable success on Goshen over fences.
We were lucky that Niall also rode a number of our syndicate horses over the past few years. On 10th November 2024, he gave Hurricane Pat a perfectly judged, winning ride at Sandown — a day many of us will remember .
Sadly, after a series of head injuries, Niall has been told he won’t be granted his jockey’s licence back. It’s a real shame, but his journey from the Irish countryside to the very top of National Hunt racing is both inspiring and bittersweet.
Niall is not only a talented and dependable rider, but also a great character — always bringing good humour and plenty of banter to the weighing room. While he’ll be missed on the track, we know he plans to stay in the sport he loves, and we look forward to seeing plenty more of him in the years to come.
From a Dare to a Lifelong Passion
I was only twelve or thirteen when a riding school opened up down the road from us. My sister started going, and at the time I thought horses were just for girls. One day she dared me to go riding, and I gave in. I won’t pretend I was fearless — the first time I got up on a horse, it put the fear of God in me. I remember one ride in particular when a horse took off with me, and I bailed out.
But like anything in life, with a bit of confidence and practice, you get better. The more I did it, the more I enjoyed it. My father bought me my first pony, and that was the real turning point. Once I had a pony of my own, I started hunting — and I never looked back.
By the time I was thirteen or fourteen, I was getting lifts with a neighbour, Gavin Rag, who rode out for Edward O’Grady. He used to take me down with him, and we’d ride out the first lot before school. Then he’d drop me at the Horse and Jockey pub, and I’d walk the last four miles to school.
We had ponies at home as well, and every afternoon I was itching to get back to them. My mother worked in the school beside mine and wouldn’t finish until 4:30, so I was always on the lookout for a lift home — anything to get back to the horses quicker.
Looking back, it all started with a dare and a bit of fear, but it grew into a way of life. Horses became more than just a pastime — they became the heart of everything I’ve done since.
The first time speed was introduced
We used to do a lot of hunting and hunter trials. A friend of mine, Sam Curling, lived down the road from us, and one day we went to a hunter trial competition together. He just said to me, “Follow me,” and I swear to God, I had never gone that fast in my life. I stuck with him around the course, and that was the moment racing ignited in my brain. Honestly, I’d say speed was scared into me that day.
From there, it led to me riding in two pony races. The first was around Hurling Field in Navan, on the Navan GAA pitch — a really tight course. I had a very fast pony from our local riding school. We went into the first bend, and I hadn’t a clue what was happening. The pony swept around the corner, and I just kept going straight on!
First Race Under Rules
I got my license when I turned 16, and straight away I was ringing up trainers about any bumper race going. At the time, I was working at Willie Mullins’, and the lads there played a bit of a prank on me. They pretended to be a trainer ringing me back, left me a message, and told me to call them at a certain time. I went around telling everyone at Willie’s that I was going to have my first ride for this “trainer,” and they all played along with it. When I eventually found out the truth, I was gutted. I was so gullible back then — though to be fair, I pulled plenty of those tricks myself on younger lads a few years down the line!
Luckily, my father had bought a horse for me to ride — a horse called Shrug, trained by Edward O’Grady. He ended up running in a bumper in Thurles, just a month after I’d turned 16. The horse finished fourth that day. Not many jockeys get their first ride under rules that quickly.
Going around the track that day, even in a two-mile flat race, I couldn’t believe how fast it all happened. One minute you’re jumping off, and the next you’re crossing the line and it’s over. I remember coming back in, taking the saddle off — I must have been only about nine and a half stone at the time, riding at twelve stone — and my legs were like jelly. I just wanted to collapse on the ground. But as a jockey, you can’t show weakness. You can’t let anyone see you’re blowing or about to hit the floor while carrying your saddle in.
For me, that first race was like riding a winner. And straight away, all I could think about was, “When’s my next ride going to be?”
Owner Visits To Hagg Hill
Always a pleasure to welcome owners to Hagg Hill as the horses finish their pre-season and move into full training. It’s been a fantastic summer having them here, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end — and now we’re looking forward to what we hope will be our best season yet!
This Tuesday we were delighted to host John and Mick, who came to see Metkeyina and Frost Moon, and also Wayne Stewart, who paid a visit to Ryan Rocket.
John King, Noel Fehily, Metkeyina, Frost Moon and Mick King
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