Meet the ambitious conditional rider who has followed in Tony McCoy's famous footsteps

Rian Corcoran was a new name among the winners on Sunday, and the ambitious rider already has his eye on the champion conditional throne.

The 18-year-old celebrated his first win when partnering Jaipaletemps for trainer David Pipe in a two-mile chase at Ffos Las, notably in the colours of the Edwards family, who famously provided Tony McCoy with his first British winner, Chickabiddy, at Exeter in September 1994.

“It was quite special, and to win for the Edwards family," Corcoran said. "There's Gemma, who led the horse up and basically runs the show, and I've always gone to Darren Edwards, who I know through pointing, about riding a horse or a course. It’s nice to ride the first winner for them and David Pipe."

Corcoran started his career in pony racing, riding for Richard and Dawn Prince, before heading to pointing for two seasons, where he was crowned champion novice jockey in the 2024-25 season.

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He said: "In my first season of pointing, I went to Will Biddick, who taught me a lot, and I rode five winners in my first season with him. But I stopped at five to protect my novice status for the following year, with the thought of winning the novice championship.

"The following year I moved to Dean Summersby, and I was doing half the week there and the other half with David Pipe for a full season until June. I had 28 winners in total on the point scene, and I had a winner for Shark [Hanlon]!"

Pony racing jockeys Rian Corcoran (right) and Billy Loughnane in 2022Credit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

Looking ahead, Corcoran has set his sights on big targets and believes his previous experience could give him an edge.

He said: "I’d love to be champion conditional jockey one year. This season is probably unrealistic, but I will probably target next year more. I had a good few years pointing and pony racing, and now I’m a conditional claiming ten pounds, so with the experience behind me, hopefully we can get the ball rolling.”

The son of former jockey and trainer Liam Corcoran has made good use of his connections for advice in the saddle.

“I’m quite lucky to have Dad’s help," he said. "He’s always on the phone, telling me what I’ve done right and wrong. And when you’ve done something wrong, he lets you know about it!

“Gerry Supple has been like a father figure to me at Pond House. He keeps me on the straight and narrow; he’s very good to me. I speak to Timmy Murphy quite a bit, he’s always been very good to me. For any bits of advice, I go to him or Gerry."

When Corcoran is not at Pipe's yard, he uses his day off to try to make his mark elsewhere.

He said: "I’m trying to show my face to as many yards as possible – I'm busier on my day off than I am when I’m working! 

"The winter horses are coming out now. We've been waiting for softer ground and hopefully things get busy."

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