Taking The Reins

Sporting Life

Taking The Reins is a brand new horse racing podcast from Sporting Life and The PJA that shines a spotlight on the lives and personalities behind the stars of racing. Hosted by former jockey and now PJA Racing Executive Adam McNamara, Taking The Reins sees us uncover the real life stories of a host of jockeys, covering their highs and lows, challenges and achievements both on and off the track. Adam draws from his own experiences to really get to the heart of the matters discussed. VISIT US AT: https://www.sportinglife.com/racing FOLLOW US ON: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportingLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportingliferacing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportingliferacing

Episodes

  1. Oisin Orr

    10/12/2023

    Oisin Orr

    He's a two-time Irish Champion Apprentice Jockey, who has tasted Classic success in the Irish St Leger back in 2020, and has ridden over 200 winners in his career to date. We're delighted to be joined by Oisin Orr for episode five of our Taking The Reins podcast, which is produced in association with the PJA. Now it's time to find out all about Oisin's story, as he talks Adam McNamara through his highs and lows, where it all began, advice received from the late great Pat Smullen, ambitions to become Champion Jockey and thoughts on working for both Dermot Weld and Richard Fahey, with much more covered too. 0:00 - Introduction 1:29 - Where did it all begin for Oisin? 2:58 - A two-time Champion Apprentice Jockey and riding for Dermot Weld 4:10 - Advice received from Pat Smullen 5:05 - Changing situation at Dermot Weld's 8:01 - Taking opportunities and moving to Richard Fahey's 9:50 - What riding instructions does Fahey give Oisin? 11:23 - How does Oisin relax a horse? 12:24 - What does a Classic-winning horse feel like? 13:36 - What does Oisin get up to outside of racing? 16:06 - What is Oisin's career ambition? 18:15 - What does an average day look like in the life of a jockey? 18:39 - The challenge of making weight and using baths 21:35 - What is Oisin's aim in the short-term? 22:39 - What other sacrifices has Oisin made because of his career? 23:32 - Culture change of moving from Ireland to the UK 26:30 - Oisin's thoughts on Guinness and his typical choice of drink 27:19 - Moving away from home and family 29:18 - Adapting to life in the weighing room and lessons learnt 31:58 - Difference between Northern and Southern weighing rooms 32:40 - Getting shouted at by Pat Smullen and Shane Foley 34:40 - Experiencing the Breeders' Cup 36:45 - Culture shocks of American racing 38:07 - Thoughts on winning the Irish St Leger and riding at the big meetings 39:22 - Which course has the best crowd? 41:03 - Dealing with abuse received on course and on social media 43:45 - What advice would Oisin give to his younger-self? 44:31 - If Oisin could change one thing from his career so far, what would it be? VISIT US AT: https://www.sportinglife.com/racing FOLLOW US ON: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportingLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportingliferacing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportingliferacing

    46 min

About

Taking The Reins is a brand new horse racing podcast from Sporting Life and The PJA that shines a spotlight on the lives and personalities behind the stars of racing. Hosted by former jockey and now PJA Racing Executive Adam McNamara, Taking The Reins sees us uncover the real life stories of a host of jockeys, covering their highs and lows, challenges and achievements both on and off the track. Adam draws from his own experiences to really get to the heart of the matters discussed. VISIT US AT: https://www.sportinglife.com/racing FOLLOW US ON: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportingLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sportingliferacing/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sportingliferacing