Nicola Burns I'm from just outside Mullingar in Co Westmeath and I grew up around horses. Dad (trainer Robbie Burns) always had horses at home, so I was definitely born into the game. I would have always had a pony growing up and then I started riding the racehorses out around 10 or 11. I moved into pony racing around 14. I always wanted to be a jockey, that was always what was in my head. I had two good years pony racing that included a four-timer one day in Ardee. Pony racing was definitely a big help before I went to the track. It definitely sharpens your skills for the racetrack. I rode a good bit for Shane Crabbe, he got me started with my first winner pony racing. Then I rode for Mary and Jimmy Brady, and plenty of others. I was champion lady rider in 2023 and 2024. That initial pony racing experience gives you a buzz to keep going and you just want to get out onto the racecourse proper and onto bigger things. I had my first racecourse winner for dad on Genuine Jim at the Curragh in October 2024. I had a good few rides before it, so I was itching to get the first winner. It was nearly a relief when I got it in the hope that things would get going. My sister Nessa, who is a big help in the yard, led me back in at the Curragh. She does an awful lot around the yard for dad. In my career so far, I'd probably say that first winner was my most memorable and best day in the saddle especially with it being for dad. Nessa and I won a Camogie Junior B Championship Leinster Final with St. Munna's (Westmeath) in November 2023, and then the All-Ireland Junior B Club Camogie Final against Crossmaglen Rangers the following month. I rode my first double in Ballinrobe last June on Magnetic North for Peter Fahey and Heather for Ger Lyons. It was definitely a day to remember. It was nice to get the rides for those trainers - my agent, Ciaran O'Toole, was a big help in that. I went in to ride out for Ger and I've been in there every day ever since. Glenburnie Stables is a great place to learn, and it is a big advantage when all the good jockeys are in riding work as they help you a lot and I learn a lot from them. Colin Keane is very good to me in terms of my riding. He is very humble and helpful. Ger would always help you and encourage you, and he is very good to work for. He has been very good to me in putting me up on horses. Last season was a great year as I finished fifth in the apprentice jockeys' title race. I wasn't really expecting it and then things took off on the leaderboard. Riding the winners definitely helped my confidence in the saddle in addition to just going out and enjoying every ride, which I think is probably the main thing. I go out with the attitude that every horse has a chance and hopefully things go my way. The HRI Emerging Talent Award was a special award to get last season and it really topped off the year. I travelled to Dubai to ride on Irish Race Day at Jebel Ali Racecourse at the end of January for St Brigid's Day which was a fantastic experience. Unfortunately, I didn't get to ride as my horse was a non runner. I'd love to go out again to get rides. It was definitely impressive seeing everything live out there. I'm up to 32 winners now. I don't really have anything that drives me at the minute because I love what I do. I wake up happy to go to work with horses. I'm going to try and do the same as last year - go out and try and ride as many winners as I can and enjoy it while it is there. I think any apprentice would be mad to say you don't want to be champion apprentice, so we'll give it a go and try our best. The horses are coming into the yards for the Flat season and us jockeys are getting to see them now. The more I'm getting acquainted with them, I'll see which ones I like as they get fit. The juveniles are definitely getting into the swing of things now. I enjoyed watching Cheltenham especially Gaelic Warrior in the Gold Cup. I'd follow the National Hunt racing, but wouldn't have plans to go down that route. I do love the Irish racing industry and I feel that if you put your head down and work hard, it will show. Nicola was in conversation with Michael Graham. If you would like your racing story covered in this blog please email vfinegan@bettercollective.com About Michael Graham Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis. View Latest Articles by Michael Graham
