Four years after deciding he wanted to be a jockey, James Ryan's talent emerges

"He's very tall but it doesn't seem to deter him and he seems to have great balance."

66/1 shot Ostraka and James Ryan after winning the William Hill Top Price Guarantee Mercury at Dundalk for trainer Danny Murphy. Picture: Healy Racing

"It's a little bit unreal," said Mairéad Ryan shortly after her son James won the Emerging Talent Award at the Horse Racing Ireland awards on Monday.

Last month, James claimed the champion apprentice title after a nail-biting final fortnight on the flat. It's been a remarkable journey for the 19-year-old who had not considered becoming a jockey until four years ago when covid shut down all of his other sporting outlets.