Thanks to Keeneland Racetrack
We've added a new face to 'Behind the Goggles!'
Meet 21-year-old professional jockey @dcjock1 who's based at @ArlingtonRacing. Taller than most riders at 5'8", he explains why diet & fitness are integral to his routine.
This series helps the @PDJFund: https://t.co/8cutnzoJIJ pic.twitter.com/6tMQCiot53
— America'sBestRacing (@ABRLive) May 19, 2021
Place of Birth:
Ireland
City of Residence:
Louisville, KY
# Years as a Jockey:
8
First Win:
Folkstone 2008
Churchill Downs Highlights:
First win in the United States during 2016 Spring Meet aboard Nobadeer
Personal Highlights:
Representing Ireland in France and winning the International Challenge
Highlight of Career:
Riding in the Dubai Duty Free and riding for Sheikh Mishaal Al Maktoum
Born: Aug. 3, 1987 in County Leitrim, Ireland
RECORD AT KEENELAND
Total Wins: 20
CAREER FIRSTS
First Stakes Win: 2010 at Newbury in England on Myplacelater; (U.S) 2016 Hillsdale at Indiana Grand on Gifted Justice
First Graded Stakes Win: 2017 Old Forester Mint Julep (G3) at Churchill Downs on Dona Bruja (ARG)
First Career Win: (U.S.) July 5, 2015, at Ellis Park on Supersonic
At Keeneland
Rode first Keeneland winner during the 2016 Fall Meet.
Career
Has 275 wins and mount earnings exceeding $9 million through Dec. 9, 2020.
Click here for his Equibase record.
Background
Irish-born Declan was riding ponies by age 7. He shifted his focus to soccer for a few years before returning to riding horses as a teenager. At 17, he went to an Irish jockey school, the Racing Academy of Centre Education (RACE). During the 10-month course, he learned other skills such as equine management and speaking with the media. Prior to graduation, he interned for a trainer based at The Curragh. He estimates he rode about 60 races in Ireland before relocating to England, where there was more racing. He rode his first winner there and finished his apprenticeship of 95 winners in England.
With limited racing in England in the colder months, Declan worked as an exercise rider in Australia for a winter before resuming his jockey career in England. He also was a jockey in Qatar in the winters of 2013-2015.
In 2012, Declan came to the U.S. as a winter exercise rider in South Florida for fellow Irishman Eddie Kenneally. The experience inspired him to become a jockey here, and he began riding at Aqueduct in 2015 before shifting to Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio.
