Q&A With Gavin Ryan

We caught up with this season’s Champion Apprentice Gavin Ryan for a quick Q&A ahead of the Flat Finale at Naas this Saturday.

1. If you weren’t a jockey what would you be?

I’d love a shot at formula one racing.

2. How do you maintain your weight?

This season it’s been a bit different with a lot more racing each week so it’s been a case of being much more disciplined on what I eat as we have no saunas at the races and little or no time for gym work

3. Would you ever be a jump jockey?

 I don’t think I’d ever like to be a jump jockey I’d like to have a ride over jumps one day but no I wouldn’t like to be a jump jockey.

4. One to watch in Dundalk this winter?

Raphael seems to be a horse that really enjoys the surface and seems to be a horse on the improve.

5. What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Shale winning the sliver flash stakes group 3 in Leopardstown for Donnacha, Mr.Smith, Mr Tabor and Mr.Magnier

6. How does it feel to be this year’s Champion apprentice?

It’s a target we set after Galway so to have achieved it is great especially since this year was my last shot to do it so I’m delighted.

7. Any plans for the winter break?

I’ll be staying riding for the winter in Dundalk

8. Has this season been much different to others with the coronavirus?

 It’s been different in many ways such as missing the crowds on the big days and after riding good winners would probably be the most noticeable one for me.

9. What jockeys did you look up to growing up?

Mick Kinane and Jamie Spence

10. Luckiest track

Galway

 11.If you could win any race what race would it be and why.

I’d love to win any classic as would any jockey but obviously the Epsom derby is the most prestigious of them so that would have to be the one.

 12. Your favorite horse to ever ride?

Saltonstall is a gent to ride and he has a serious engine on a going day so he’d probably be one to choose 15. I get a thrill from every winner although the thrill of a big winner probably lasts a bit longer.