TWO OF IRELAND’S top young jockeys also happen to be siblings.
Originally from Ballylooby in Tipperary, the Crosse brothers both left home at a young age in order to chase their dreams.
19-year-old Nathan now rides out of the Curragh for former Kildare footballer Willie McCreery, while Shane, one year his junior, works with trainer Joseph O’Brien in Owning, Kilkenny.
In the fifth and final episode of Humans of Horse Racing with Betway, we pay a visit to the pair to hear about sibling rivalry, the challenges they face as apprentice jockeys and their aspirations in the saddle.
Our dad was a jockey,” says Shane. “He rode in England, America, Ireland. Mam told us more than once how hard it was going to be but we’re in it so we’ll keep going.
“There are so many good apprentices out there now,” adds Nathan. “Say if you have a winner today, you’re good for tomorrow but then if you don’t ride a winner tomorrow, the next lad wins tomorrow and you’re forgotten about very easily. You need to be consistent.”
Both riders picked up their first winners as apprentices before the age of 18, and the Crosse name is certainly one to keep an eye out for over the coming years.
Last November, Shane was named champion apprentice thanks to 28 victories over the 2018 season. Their long-term aim is to go right to the top.
“I think we’d both love to turn professional, obviously we’d both love to stay in Ireland,” explains Nathan. “That would be the main thing. Get a great job, keep on having winners, stay safe, stay sound.”
Shane adds: “Aim for champion jockey, that’s the main goal.”
Nathan agrees. “There’s no point half-doing it. If you’re going to do it, do it properly”, before his younger brother comes in again.
“You want to be one of the best, as I’m sure all of them would have the same answer as us. If we keep going the way we are and getting our winners, you never know.”
They both smile with a quiet confidence.
“Hopefully one day.”
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