Donoghue set for sensational Down Royal return after ten-year break

A lot can happen in a year, let alone a decade, and life has gone full circle for amateur jockey Ian Donoghue since the spring of 2009.

Donoghue, brother of Grade 1-winning rider Keith, last rode under rules at Downpatrick on May 8 in 2009 but is set for a sensational return ten years, seven months and 18 days on with three mounts at Down Royal on December 26.

On leaving school a combination of weight troubles and a love of hunting took Donoghue down that route, with a stint as first whip for the Louth’s eventually leading to a huntsman position for the County Down Staghounds.

Ten years later, he returned to County Meath and has been back riding out at Gavin Cromwell’s and contesting point-to-points. It has been quite a journey.

Donoghue, 27, said: “I was still at school the last time I was race-riding in the spring of 2009 and I stopped to pursue my love of hunting after struggling with the weight. We moved back home this year as my girlfriend was expecting her first child so we’ve set up a yard and have been working away.

“I was riding out at Gavin's [Cromwell] ten years ago so it’s great to be back in there now. I never realised how much I missed racing until I started riding out again. I’ve been riding in point-to-points and have had a few seconds so it’s been busy since the season started.”

By no means underestimate Donoghue's desire for a second stint in the saddle, as he has been working extremely hard on his fitness having returned home weighing 15-and-a-half stone.

Regularly riding out has helped, as has the assistance of personal trainer Maria Kealy, who also works with Keith.

Donoghue, who won the Huntsmen team challenge over the banks at Punchestown last year, said: “Weight was what mainly stopped me ten years ago and when I moved home in May I was 15-and-a-half stone, so I’ve been working hard and Keith suggested to me to get my licence back out.

“I’ve been following Keith’s general routine and have done plenty of fitness work, be it running or visiting Keith’s great personal trainer Maria, every night.

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Days since Ian Donoghue's last ride under rules

“She’s told me what I should and shouldn’t be eating and it’s actually been easier than I thought it would be.”

Donoghue will be riding against his brother for the first time since their pony racing days in the 2000s in the 2m4f beginners chase, although he feels the Stuart Crawford-trained Cosmic Flight (2.45) is his best chance on the day in the 2m6f hunters chase with other festive rides in the offing.

Gavin Cromwell: Donoghue has been back riding out at the trainer's yard in County MeathCredit: Edward Whitaker

Donoghue said: “I would be most hopeful about Cosmic Flight although it will just be great to be back riding under rules. I’m riding a nice horse at Limerick on Friday – Dubai Dandy – who I was second on at Borris House a couple of weeks ago, so there’s plenty to look forward to. I’d expect him to run well.

“I’m riding against Keith for the first time since we were riding in pony races when we were 13 or 14, but back then I would have been riding the ponies he didn’t want to ride!”

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