Darragh crowned National Hunt Champion Conditional Jockey

The 2019-2020 National Hunt Season was one of unparalleled success for Doneraile jockey Darragh O’Keeffe.

On Friday, 3 April, it was announced that Darragh had been named the new Champion Conditional Jockey, securing the title with a record 45 winners.

“It really is unbelievable, I’m still coming to terms with it to be honest. For my family and for myself, it’s something great,” the young jockey admitted, adding that it was very unfortunate that the season had to be brought to a premature end due to Covid-19.  

Lifelong dream

“You’re dreaming about it from very early on, and even when I was in primary school I had no interest. I just wanted to be out there, working with the ponies,” he said.

Full interview in this week’s Print & Digital Edition