Dundalk jockey Shane Gray celebrates career milestone with homecoming Group-race victory

Dundalk jockey Shane Gray enjoyed a memorable homecoming on Friday night as he rode the first Group-race winner of his career aboard Washington Heights in the BAR 1 Betting Mercury Stakes at Dundalk Stadium.

The 31-year-old was cheered on by a large gathering of family and friends as Washington Heights, trained by British handler Kevin Ryan, held off stablemate Ain’t Nobody and Irish jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle to land the €70,000 contest.

The occasion was made all the more special by the involvement of Dundalk-based bookmaker BAR 1 Betting, which sponsors Gray and was also the sponsor of the Mercury Stakes.

Speaking to BAR 1 Betting ahead of the race, Gray explained how much the opportunity to ride in front of his hometown supporters meant to him.

“I must have asked him about three months ago to keep me in mind, being from here, all my family are still living here, being sponsored by BAR 1 Betting, who are sponsoring the race, I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

Gray left Dundalk as a teenager to pursue his dream of becoming a professional jockey, moving to Tipperary at the age of 15 before eventually establishing his career in Britain with trainer Kevin Ryan.

Looking back on his early years, Gray recalled how his interest in racing developed while watching his older brother Steven and learning from local jockey Bunny Cox.

“I knew from a young age, watching my brother ride winners, probably from the age of ten, that I was going to be a jockey; I had no interest in school whatsoever,” he said.

Having experienced the demands of pursuing a racing career from such a young age, Gray would encourage aspiring jockeys to give greater consideration to their education.

“It depends how independent you are, but I would recommend staying in school for a bit longer.”

Gray's victory at Dundalk was his 44th winner of the year in Britain and Ireland, marking his most successful season by winner numbers since 2015. He believes improved confidence has been a major factor in his recent form.

“Being a jockey can be stressful; you don’t know when your next winner is going to be, but I’ve enjoyed my riding a lot better this year, and I’m pretty sure that has a massive effect on why I’m riding winners. Riding with confidence is everything,” he said.

Gray has been based in England for the past 13 years, riding predominantly for Ryan, whom he describes as a straight-talking and decent man who has helped him plan for life beyond racing.

With a first Group-race success now secured, Gray is focused on continuing to ride winners while also investing in his future away from the track.

The jockey remains closely connected to Dundalk and is a passionate supporter of Dundalk FC. However, despite his affection for his hometown, he admits he is unsure whether he will ever return to live there permanently.

“I love coming home, I do, but I just don’t know if I’d be able to settle; I’d like to think so one day,” he said.

BAR 1 Betting announced Gray as its official sponsored jockey in May, and the Mercury Stakes victory has underlined the value of the partnership for both parties.

Gray believes the sponsorship has helped raise the bookmaker's profile among racing fans, particularly when they see the brand at racecourses and on its sponsored events.

“You wouldn’t believe how many people mention it (BAR 1 Betting) to me when they see them on the stalls or sponsoring races, whereas they never noticed them before,” he said.

For Gray, having the backing of a business from his hometown makes the partnership particularly meaningful.

“Being a business from my hometown, it’s a little bit extra special, and I get a great kick out of it,” he added.