From Kentucky to the Curragh and back, The Kid who became The Man is still getting it right

Steve Cauthen conquered one world as a teen and tamed another before retiring at 32. He was back in Ireland this week at the scene of his 1989 Irish Derby victory to take a trip down memory lane.

The old stomping ground: Steve Cauthen at the Old Vic Gallop on the Curragh Racecourse grounds. Photo: Tony Gavin Photography  

There isn’t a story like it in the world of sport. A 16-year-old arrives in a man’s world, inauspiciously finishing last on his first ride as a jockey at Churchill Downs. The initial winner arrives the next week.

Within a year, he becomes the first jockey in the history of horse racing to accumulate €6m in prize money in one season, breaking Angel Cordero Jr’s record while booting home 487 winners. He is the US champion and garners two Eclipse awards – the overall gong as top jockey as well as the prize for leading apprentice.