Andrew McNamara 15 Time Grade 1 winning Jockey turned Trainer
"I've absolutely loved it, growing up I thought I'd be too big and heavy to be a jockey, but I've lived my dream" "I am now moving on to what I always wanted to do - training."
Andrew McNamara 15 Time Grade 1 winning Jockey turned Trainer
"I've absolutely loved it, growing up I thought I'd be too big and heavy to be a jockey, but I've lived my dream" "I am now moving on to what I always wanted to do - training."
Andy was born into a racing family in County Limerick and having grown up with his father training winners from their Croom base, a passion for the game was soon nurtured. Having started out in the amateur ranks, Andy went on to lead a successful career as a National Hunt jockey where he enjoyed ten years at the top level. Enjoying success in some of the biggest races including the Cheltenham Champion Chase, The Irish Gold Cup and the Irish Grand National.
Having ridden horses such as Beef or Salmon, Sizing Europe, Tranquill Sea and Newmill to victory over the years. Andy's career in the saddle has proved invaluable experience in preparing for his current role as a trainer, combined with working for other trainers such as Edward O'Grady, Robert Colllet, Michael Hourigan, John Murphy etc. Andy has also taken an interest in exercise physiology and nutrition, studying both humans and equines in his spare time.
Andy went out on a winner as a jockey aboard Most Honourable around Tramore in 2015 and it didn’t take long getting into the winner’s enclosure as a trainer when Double Speak collected at Punchestown in May 2016. Plenty of winners have followed since both over jumps and on the level, with Graded success coming through the stable favourite Val De Ferbet. Now based in County Meath, the future is bright for Andy Mc.