Simon saddles up for future in training

Kate Pendred

Years of hard work have paid off for Simon Cavanagh of Drumloose Stables, Mullingar, who recently received his trainer’s licence, and had his first win with Milan Forth under Rules in the EASYFIX Equine Handicap Chase at Cork.

Milan Forth, who won at 7/2, was ridden by Kevin Healy, grandson of owner Patrick Whyte from Milltownpass. Kevin has been with Drumloose Stables from the start.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner after the race, a jubilant Simon said: “Words can’t really describe it – it’s not an easy business to be in, but it is some feeling when it goes right!”. He hopes the win will encourage more owners to put their horses in training with Drumloose Stables. He would like to build up to around 30 horses, over time.

Simon always wanted to train and was greatly encouraged by Patrick Whyte to take out a licence. He had a point-to-point handler’s licence, but getting his trainer’s licence means that he can now train horses for the track, opening up a much broader field.

Looking back, Simon said: “Dad bought me my first pony and I did a lot of show jumping. Dot Love from Charlestown Stud and Joseph Murphy gave me lessons.”

His cousin, Rhona Healy of Rathconrath, who is married to horse trainer Andrew McNamara, took Simon to Charlestown Stud when he was in his early teens. He met and got on well with trainer Ciaran Murphy and started riding out for him. “They were all a big help to me starting out,” he said.

While he was at boarding school in the Cistercian College in Roscrea, Simon started riding out for John Joe Walsh at the weekends, and had his first point-to-point ride on Thaw Me Toes Out, a horse owned by his father. He had his first win on Ciaran Murphy’s Dickey’s Choice.

His late uncle, Finian Cavanagh, left Simon the land on which his stables are located at Brotenstown, Ballinea. “I wouldn’t be here but for him,” Simon said. He had been working in Wexford, riding out for Denis Murphy and Cormac Farrell, when Finian passed away.

It was in Wexford that Simon met his partner Aisling Noone from Oughterard in Galway. They decided to move back to Brotenstown to start their new enterprise. Simon’s father Richard and his godmother Clodagh Cavanagh, along with their cousin Fergal Duncan from Gaybrook, kept the place going until Simon and Aisling returned three years ago. They started with a few point-to-pointers of Richard’s. The second year they bought Milan Forth, and the following year they had eight winners, Milan Forth winning three. They are a team of five at Drumloose Stables – Simon and Aisling, the yard man Fernando (Augusto Azevevo) and Kevin Healy and Ciaran Quigley, who ride out. Simon’s parents Richard and Enda Murtagh Cavanagh and his brother Richard also help out.

He said he is lucky to have trainers Ciaran Murphy and Robson Aguiar close by as they are a great help to him and give him valuable advice.

At present, Drumloose Stables has three horses for the track but Simon’s brother Richard sourced a mare called Best Line who they bought together 18 months ago, and she has already won three point-to-points. They also have several young horses for point-to-pointing.

Simon now looks forward to a bright future for himself and his team.