San Andreas and Wayne Hassett
© Photo Healy Racing
Friday 10th March 2023 will long live in the memory of 17 year old jockey Wayne Hassett who rode his first career winner on San Andreas at Dundalk for Joseph O’Brien.
This young man caught the eye of many on the pony racing circuit last year having had his career in this sphere cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic years.
Parents Michael and Heidi knew they had a keen sports fanatic on their hands from an early stage. Indeed Wayne shares a love of boxing with the stable ‘s record breaking dual champion apprentice Dylan Browne McMonagle. Wayne became an under age Kerry Boxing Champion before moving to Co. Tipperary.
Not surprisingly hurling and football were next on the agenda before moving on to ponies and horses at Uncle Martin’s yard. Incidentally Martin also works for Coolmore Stud
The aspiring jockey was soon constantly on the road grasping every opportunity to ride out at all the yards in the locality.
Wayne is loud in his praise of trainer, Andrew Slattery for whom he rode out before school and gained valuable experience in the process.
Wayne is today so appreciative to be part of the wonderful team at Joseph O’Brien’s Owning yard. Joseph’s assistant and former Grand National winning jockey Brendan Powell had some fine words of encouragement for Wayne following his victory on Friday night.
Dad Michael reports however that education has not been forgotten and Wayne remains a student at Scoil Ruain in Killenaule where he will sit his exams this summer. This is certainly a rich racing academy having produced Ben Coen, Andrew Slattery, Gavin Ryan and Jake Coen as graduates in recent years.
Not surprisingly spare time is at a premium but Wayne likes to keep fit and watch racing. He strongly recommends pony racing as an invaluable experience for all budding jockeys.
Best of luck Wayne and may the winners just keep on rolling!
