Katie O’Farrell admitted “the best day of her career” might not have happened had she given into her injury woes.
The jockey registered a first career double on Low Sun and Flemenstorm in Fairyhouse back in April but her journey to winning post was far from straightforward.
O’Farrell fractured her ankle in April 2017 in a schooling fall at Punchestown which left her sidelined for six months and contemplating an early exit from the sport.
But O’Farrell said her triumph at Fairyhouse helped to lift her spirits despite seriously questioning whether she was going to continue as a jockey.
“It was a mad day and probably the best day of my career,” O’Farrell told Friday Night Racing.
“It was a sort of difficult time and I hadn’t really come back well enough. I only told two people – a family member and a close friend in February – that if it didn’t get better, I’m going to call it at the end of this season.
“I was working so hard and I was getting little or nothing out of it. I had done everything that I could and I didn’t feel like I was getting anywhere.
“And there’s so many good riders that don’t make it. I was urged to wait until Galway but Fairyhouse came and I didn’t anticipate the day that was in it.
“Willie had 10 runners in the same race and needless to say I was down in the pecking order and he was 25/1 for a reason.”
O’Farrell was asked how she felt when she realised she was set to win at Fairyhouse.
“When I landed at the back of the last my exact thought was: ‘I can’t believe I’m winning this race,’” O’Farrell said.
“I went out and I was told he was lazy as sin, he’s this and he’s that and to just keep him up to it. I had to drill him the whole way around just to keep him interested.
“But a lad like him will always keep something in the tank. I had nothing to lose going out there and I had a lovely positive jump. He’s quick and he’s flat bred so you can get out the gate and get a nice positive [start].”
Friday Night Racing is live on our social channels every week
James Hopper
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
