Dromahane point-to-point rider Chris O’Donovan made a successful return to competitive action at Moig South last weekend and ending a 19-month absence from the saddle with a decisive victory.
The 29-year-old partnered the Tom Keating-owned and trained Beggar to victory in the five-year-old and upwards maiden, marking his first race-ride since April 2024 and a welcome return for one of the region’s most accomplished amateur jockeys.
Speaking to Irish point-to-point outlet p2p.ie, O’Donovan explained that weight difficulties had forced him to step away from race-riding, despite remaining closely involved in racing throughout the period. Based in Mallow, he continued riding work and training a small team at home, determined to put himself in a position to return.
The effort required to do so was significant. O’Donovan described riding out large numbers of horses daily, including work for Tom Keating as well as his own string, while committing to an intensive fitness routine to get back to riding weight.
His comeback could not have gone more smoothly. Beggar, a son of Workforce, travelled confidently throughout the Moig South contest and handled the testing ground well, giving O’Donovan a clear-cut success on his first day back.
The win adds further depth to a career that has already delivered over 100 point-to-point victories, track success at Cork Racecourse, and a share of the Southern riders’ title. Crucially, it signals that O’Donovan, a familiar and respected name on the Mallow racing scene, is once again available for rides.
With his confidence restored and his weight under control, the Mallow rider told p2p.ie he is now focused on riding regularly and building momentum again.
