Rising star Sam Ewing reflects on year to remember
The Co.Antrim jockey is ready for more after Brighterdaysahead success at Leopardstown
Thursday, 16 January 2025
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Sam Ewing is racing’s rising star, writes Harry Crichton.
It has been a landmark season for the young Co. Antrim jockey, who credits trainer Gordon Elliott’s mentorship for guiding him through his breakthrough year.
A year ago, Ewing was a relative unknown but his stunning victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle aboard Stellar Story changed all that, firmly establishing his name on the National Hunt scene.
As deputy to Champion Jockey Jack Kennedy, Ewing has the ideal role model to learn from.
But when Kennedy suffered a serious injury after a heavy fall at Fairyhouse in November, Ewing was thrust into the spotlight, taking the reins at Elliott’s yard in every sense of the phrase.
What has followed since has been nothing short of remarkable; over a glittering Christmas period, Ewing claimed eight wins including five Grade Ones.
Throw in a couple of Grade One mounts on Teahupoo and Search For Glory, the 20-year-old is living the dream.
“It’s very unfortunate for Jack, but they’re all going to be there for him when he gets back riding horses and I am just trying my best to fill his boots.”
They say one man’s loss is another man’s gain, and while that might seem harsh given the close bond between the pair, Ewing is quick to emphasise that Kennedy’s support has been unwavering.
“Jack has been as good as you could ask for. Anything you need, he’s always happy to help, and he’s the first person to say well done,” added Ewing.
“There are no hard feelings - he’s just as happy to see me win on them as anyone else.”
Ewing’s journey has been shaped by the support of those around him, from Kennedy’s guidance to the influence of his father Warren - a former point-to-point champion jockey and trainer - who has played a pivotal role in his development.
“He’s had me riding ponies for as long as I can remember,” Ewing reflected. “When I was old enough, he started taking me pony racing.
“From the time I was 11 or 12 until I was 15 or 16, we’d be on the road every weekend. It didn’t matter how far it was - if I had a ride, we were going.
“I’ve had plenty of tellings off over the years, mind, but look, he’s my biggest supporter and a massive help to me. He’s always there for the big races, and he gets a real buzz out of it too.”
Ewing was not always destined for jumps racing. Initially, he set his sights on a career on the flat, but as he gained weight, the focus naturally shifted to National Hunt racing.
It is a role Ewing has wholeheartedly embraced, and the results speak for themselves.
This season, he has surpassed the 50-win mark - a milestone far beyond the 18 wins he amassed the year before. Yet, despite his remarkable progress, Ewing remains grounded, taking things one day at a time.
“I’m just trying to ride as many winners as I can,” Ewing added. “At the start of the season, 20 was my aim. Then when I got to 20, it became 30, so to hit 50 wins, it’s just been an incredible season with some really good winners in there as well. Hopefully, we can keep it going. Long may it last.”
He’s certainly right about some special winners. His 20-length demolition over Champion Hurdle winner State Man aboard Brighterdaysahead was a particular standout at the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown.
Ewing remains tight-lipped about what Cheltenham might hold, with speculation rife about whether she will target the Mares’ Hurdle or face the challenge of Constitution Hill in a potential Champion Hurdle showdown.
“It was a special Christmas overall, but Brighterdaysahead really stood out and showed everyone exactly what we believed she could be,” Ewing said.
“It’s obviously not up to me. She has loads of ability - she’s won over two miles and two and a half miles at Grade One level - so whatever the lads decide for her, she’s going to be a pleasure to ride.”
It has been a landmark season for the young Co. Antrim jockey, who credits trainer Gordon Elliott’s mentorship for guiding him through his breakthrough year.
A year ago, Ewing was a relative unknown but his stunning victory in the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle aboard Stellar Story changed all that, firmly establishing his name on the National Hunt scene.
As deputy to Champion Jockey Jack Kennedy, Ewing has the ideal role model to learn from.
But when Kennedy suffered a serious injury after a heavy fall at Fairyhouse in November, Ewing was thrust into the spotlight, taking the reins at Elliott’s yard in every sense of the phrase.
What has followed since has been nothing short of remarkable; over a glittering Christmas period, Ewing claimed eight wins including five Grade Ones.
Throw in a couple of Grade One mounts on Teahupoo and Search For Glory, the 20-year-old is living the dream.
“It's been a privilege, really, to get the rides I’ve got,” said Ewing. “All thanks has to go to Gordon and the owners for putting their faith in me when Jack got hurt.Mud, sweat and tears 😅@sam_ewing17 lands his latest G1 success with The Yellow Clay at @NaasRacecourse 🏆@gelliott_racing | #EveryRacingMoment pic.twitter.com/Fo40uOUMZC
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) January 5, 2025
“It’s very unfortunate for Jack, but they’re all going to be there for him when he gets back riding horses and I am just trying my best to fill his boots.”
They say one man’s loss is another man’s gain, and while that might seem harsh given the close bond between the pair, Ewing is quick to emphasise that Kennedy’s support has been unwavering.
“Jack has been as good as you could ask for. Anything you need, he’s always happy to help, and he’s the first person to say well done,” added Ewing.
“There are no hard feelings - he’s just as happy to see me win on them as anyone else.”
Ewing’s journey has been shaped by the support of those around him, from Kennedy’s guidance to the influence of his father Warren - a former point-to-point champion jockey and trainer - who has played a pivotal role in his development.
“He’s had me riding ponies for as long as I can remember,” Ewing reflected. “When I was old enough, he started taking me pony racing.
“From the time I was 11 or 12 until I was 15 or 16, we’d be on the road every weekend. It didn’t matter how far it was - if I had a ride, we were going.
“I’ve had plenty of tellings off over the years, mind, but look, he’s my biggest supporter and a massive help to me. He’s always there for the big races, and he gets a real buzz out of it too.”
Ewing was not always destined for jumps racing. Initially, he set his sights on a career on the flat, but as he gained weight, the focus naturally shifted to National Hunt racing.
Having spent his teenage years riding at Gordon Elliott’s yard, the two-time Grand National Winning-trainer recognised his potential and gave him the chance to step up as number two at Longwood.⭐️ Brighterdaysahead ⭐️
— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) December 29, 2024
100 Grade 1 winners for Cullentra. What an incredible day for milestones! Thank you to all my owners, staff, jockeys and supporters! pic.twitter.com/sdYYXcJLm0
It is a role Ewing has wholeheartedly embraced, and the results speak for themselves.
This season, he has surpassed the 50-win mark - a milestone far beyond the 18 wins he amassed the year before. Yet, despite his remarkable progress, Ewing remains grounded, taking things one day at a time.
“I’m just trying to ride as many winners as I can,” Ewing added. “At the start of the season, 20 was my aim. Then when I got to 20, it became 30, so to hit 50 wins, it’s just been an incredible season with some really good winners in there as well. Hopefully, we can keep it going. Long may it last.”
He’s certainly right about some special winners. His 20-length demolition over Champion Hurdle winner State Man aboard Brighterdaysahead was a particular standout at the Christmas Festival at Leopardstown.
Ewing remains tight-lipped about what Cheltenham might hold, with speculation rife about whether she will target the Mares’ Hurdle or face the challenge of Constitution Hill in a potential Champion Hurdle showdown.
“It was a special Christmas overall, but Brighterdaysahead really stood out and showed everyone exactly what we believed she could be,” Ewing said.
“It’s obviously not up to me. She has loads of ability - she’s won over two miles and two and a half miles at Grade One level - so whatever the lads decide for her, she’s going to be a pleasure to ride.”