Rian Corcoran winning on Ita Care at Wadebridge - Tim Holt.
17-year-old Rian Corcoran is undoubtedly one of the most promising young riders on the point-to-point circuit and a leading contender for the novice jockeys title this season. Son of former rider and trainer Liam Corcoran, Rian was frustrated last weekend at Great Trethew when racing was abandoned – he rode in the first and had mounts in the six races that didn’t take place. Hoping for better luck with two booked rides at Larkhill on Sunday, Jake Exelby spoke to him about his career so far and aspirations in the saddle.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I’m from South Devon, near Kingsbridge and Slapton. Now I split my time between David Pipe, for whom I work three days a week and Dean Summersby, where I spend two days.
Talk me through your career in racing so far
My family are involved in racing, so I’ve always been around horses, although I only started taking an interest aged 12. Dad got me a racing pony, Willow The Wisp, and I had my first winner on my first ride, at Great Trethew just before lockdown. I did another season with him, then we were approached by Richard Prince, who has quite a few ponies and leases them out to give young jockeys a chance. I probably rode four or five horses for him and had quite a few winners – Richard was the main person who helped me along.
How did you get into point-to-pointing?
I’d been going to David’s in the school holidays and at weekends for a while, and last season he said he had a horse he thought would suit me – Itacare. He’s been a dream, and we’ve won three times together. He’s a little grey horse who’s quiet at home and a real schoolmaster.
I worked for Will Biddick last season and also had a winner for Danielle Kenealy. I then went to Dean’s, and he said that Darren Edwards was retiring, and would I like to ride for him – obviously I wouldn’t turn that down! I had my first winner for him at Upcott Cross, which took me to five, so I stopped for the season to remain a novice this year.
How does riding over fences compare to pony racing?
Everything happens more slowly over fences, and you have more time to get where you want to be, whereas you have to be sharper on the flat. (I put it – admittedly as a non-rider – to Rian that pony racing seems to be about going hell for leather!) No, you have to ride each pony in a different way. Besides, pony racing on professional tracks is a lot more tactical – it’s more fun and less serious at point-to-points.
What are your ambitions in racing?
The aim is to be champion novice this year and Dean’s got some nice horses to run in novice riders races. I think Tom Hutsby’s my main competitor – like me, he stopped on five in May and he’s already one ahead of me this season!
Dad rode as a professional and it would be good to turn conditional for David if this season goes well – we were half-thinking about doing it last year but decided to give it a couple of seasons pointing first. I’d love to be champion jockey – who wouldn’t?
Which other jockeys do you admire?
I love naturally talented, stylish jockeys like Timmy Murphy and Paul Carberry. Obviously Will Biddick in pointing.
Which has been your favourite horse?
I don’t really have favourite courses or tracks. I’m happy to ride whatever, wherever!
What did you think about the decision to abandon Great Trethew after racing had started?
Dad and I walked the course, and it felt good to soft, soft in the dip, with the back straight being better. However, walking and riding it are two different things. It wasn’t ideal for young bumper horses who were stumbling – it was bottomless coming down the hill. Abandoning was definitely the right decision. Senior jockey Darren Andrews summed it up to a tee on Facebook.
Which horse are you most looking forward to riding this season?
Horses like Dorrells Pierji, Hell Red, Jet Smart and Lakota Warrior for Dean.
What do you enjoy most about pointing?
It’s a great way to get experience and get the hang of the job, learning your style and tactics over fences. There’s less pressure and it’s a properly laid-back atmosphere.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d make it cheaper and more affordable as there are a lot of things to pay for. It’s not so bad for the jockeys – I’m thinking more of trainers and owners.
What are your non-horsey hobbies?
I’m always with horses, so don’t have time for anything else. We have 25-30 horses at home – Dad has a few pointers, a few ponies and a livery yard so I’m always helping him.
Tell me something I wouldn’t know from asking these questions
I’ve been going to see (former professional rider and jockey coach) Rodi Greene for five years and speak to him quite a lot. I also speak to Timmy Murphy if I need any advice when I’m riding a horse. He’s good mates with Dad – they used to ride together, and his sons Finn and Lucas are both pony racing.
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