Ian Donoghue making an impressive name for himself

HRI FEATURE

Keith is not the only Donoghue in town these days. Oh, no. His older brother Ian has made a big name for himself in a very short space of time and is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most promising up-and-coming trainers.

Just over three years have passed since he burst onto the scene at Bellewstown when Tellthemi'mhere won a mile handicap on the Flat under Gary Carroll and since then his reputation has soared, with his transformation of Dunboyne being his most impressive party-piece to date.

Dunboyne arrived in Donoghue’s care having been pulled-up on his four previous starts. He seemed to have lost his appetite for the game, but a change of address worked miracles as he landed the prestigious Ulster National on only his second start for the stable, having won his first outing for the yard over hurdles at Navan.

“That was a magic day up at Downpatrick,” said Donoghue, reflecting on the narrow Ulster National victory of Dunboyne over Final Orders, who was ridden by his brother Keith that day. He’s been some horse for us and the plan is to go point-to-pointing with him over the next few months and see how he goes.”

Donoghue’s record at his local tracks is particularly noteworthy. He has already sent out eight winners over jumps at Fairyhouse and four at Navan. It is no coincidence either.

“We’ve plenty of local owners and they love having runners at Fairyhouse and Navan,” Donoghue explained. “They are two brilliant tracks, and we’ve had some memorable days at both over the last few years. Hopefully, there are a few more to come over the winter, too.”

When asked for a horse to follow from the yard over the winter, Donoghue replied: “I’ll give you two – Royal Gladiator is a horse I’ve always loved and Thelittleballerina is a classy filly, who is better than she showed at Gowran the last day. You definitely shouldn’t be giving up on her.”

As for his idol, it was only ever going to be one man.

“Paul (Carberry) was always my idol,” he said. “He was always different, so stylish. I used to go hunting with him the whole time. He’s some man.”

This feature is brought to you by Fairyhouse and Navan racecourse.