Robbie Dolan showed that you can never count the Irish out when it comes to racing.
The County Kildare-born jockey rode Knight’s Choice to the 2024 Melbourne Cup as an 80/1 outsider this month.
Dolan found fame Down Under as a singer on a reality television show, but he had 347 professional racing wins to his name before his thrilling ride from the back of the field to a photo-finish win on Nov. 5.
However, he’d never before ridden in the iconic thoroughbred race, which is run over two miles.
“The Melbourne Cup is the biggest race in the world, it’s the race that stops the nation,” the 28-year-old jockey commented in a television interview immediately afterwards.
“A win for Ireland – and maybe not one that many anticipated,” the interviewer said at Flemington Racecourse.
In New York, Irish success in the sport was celebrated more formally at an Oct. 17 gathering organized by Horse Racing Ireland in conjunction with the Consulate General.
Most there likely agreed that Ireland is a leader in the sport and the industry worldwide, and also that there’s something special about horse racing on the domestic front.
“I don’t want much. Just a place on the rail at Leopardstown, a couple of bob down. Is that asking too much of life?” So wrote the prominent writer J.F. Powers to a fellow American, a Catholic priest.
He made determined efforts to settle in the land of his forebears and spent four periods there with his wife and children in the 1950s and ‘60s, but drafty houses without central heating and the Irish cold got to him each time – even though home was Minnesota.
On the plus side, in contrast, were the frequent days at the races for the lifelong enthusiast and a regular at U.S. tracks like Saratoga. He reported to the same friend in another letter in a different year: “We went to the Phoenix Park races one day, a lovely course, one nearest Dublin but we’d never been there. No winners but rewarding.”
And it continues to reward, winners or not.
The Irish Echo asked Colm Morrissey, who helped organize the Oct. 17 reception, some questions about HRI and Irish racing in the third decade of the 21st century.
Irish Echo: What is Horse Racing Ireland, and what kinds of activities is it involved with?
Colm Morrissey: Horse Racing Ireland is the governing body of the Irish horse racing industry, overseeing race regulations, funding, and actively promoting the sport both domestically and internationally. HRI supports owners, trainers, and breeders, working closely with breeding bodies like the Irish National Stud to strengthen the industry. They also organize events like the Oct. 17 reception to showcase and celebrate Irish racing.
Tell us something about yourself and your background.
I was born in Tipperary Town and after graduating college in 2003, I emigrated to the United States to pursue a career in construction. I began working with horses at a young age, starting with ponies and moving on to racehorses in my teens. My uncles, Kevin Ryan, a trainer in England, and David Ryan, the Racing Manager for Jabber Abdullah at Kilfrush Stud in Limerick, introduced me to the racing industry early on. Though I chose another career path, my love for racing has remained strong. For the past few years, I’ve been part of the MRC International Racing Syndicate at David Marnane’s yard in Bansha, Tipperary. Ownership has been a fantastic experience, with memorable days at big meets like Royal Ascot and York.
[Bobby McNally on Farren Glory at the official launch at Gordon Elliott’s Yard of the Fairyhouse Winter Festival, which will take place at the Fairyhouse Racecourse, Co. Meath, on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Inpho/Morgan Treacy]
Is Irish horse racing in a good place now? Irish trainers, for instance, would appear to be doing well in England and beyond.
Irish horse racing is thriving! The industry is in excellent shape, with top-quality racehorses, leading stallions, and some of the best trainers in both Flat and National Hunt racing based in Ireland. Irish trainers are excelling internationally, securing major wins and prize money across the UK, France, Germany, and even in the U.S. The future looks bright for Irish racing.
Do you work with Irish-born people and Irish Americans in the industry here?
Yes, we have many Irish American and American owners in our syndicates, as well as members from Dubai, the UAE, France, and Britain. It’s amazing to see the growing interest in horse racing from people who might not have been exposed to it before joining MRC and experiencing the ownership journey.
[Erika Peciulyte and Teahupoo pictured at the Fairyhouse event at Gordon Elliott’s Yard. Inpho/Morgan Treacy]
How is the racing experience in the U.S. compared to back home in Ireland?
America has the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, both incredible events and very well-run. Like in Ireland, U.S. racing is steeped in history, and the racing community appreciates this heritage, with so many great racehorses having come from here. I love attending Saratoga – the people are fantastic, and the racing is top-notch. Ireland differs in that we predominantly race on turf, with a strong emphasis on breeding for speed and stamina, whereas U.S. racing leans more toward speed and dirt pedigrees. Race days in both countries have a similar excitement, and the thrill of winning feels the same.
Where can people find out more information on horse racing ownership with your syndicate MRC International?
We aim to make syndicate ownership accessible and enjoyable for everyone, both at home and abroad. There is still availability in the syndicate, for more information, please reach out to our trainer, David Marnane: Phone: +353 876653017; Email mrc@davidmarnaneracing.com; Instagram: @david.marnane.racing.