Paul Morkan, Assistant Trainer
Paul grew up around horses in his family's yard, going on to compete at national and international level as a three day event rider. He progressed from success at county level to eventually represent Ireland in the European Championships of 2002.
Keen to move into racing, Paul moved into breaking and pre-training before upping sticks to further his experience with Matthew Smith's operation in Australia.
From there he joined Mark Wallace's operation at Randwick, as stable foreman and work rider. With a desire to experience the racing world a little closer to home, Wallace recommended Paul to Mick, leading to his arrival at West Ilsley towards the end of 2010.
FULL NAME: Paul Morkan
JOB TITLE: Pupil Assistant/ Leitzu's Rider
WHEN DID YOU ARRIVE AT WEST ILSLEY?: December 2010
FAVOURITE HORSES AT WEST ILSLEY?: Leitzu / Handles for Forks / Nayarra and probably everyting else in the yard
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN? I haven't being given any!!!
FAVOURITE RACECOURSE?: Epsom / Aintree
LEAST FAVOURITE RACECOURSE?: Wexford
WHICH RACE WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO WIN?: Golden Slipper (Austraila) or Irish derby.
WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO MEET?: Mick Channon
FAVOURITE SPORTS?: Cricket....come on Ireland, Hurling,rugby,football,racing, women's beach volleyball!!!!
LEAST FAVOURITE SPORTS?: ..............
FAVOURITE FILM?: Anything with Fast Cars, Guns, birds and preferably Eva Mendez
FAVOURITE BOOK?:Don't read books me.....
FAVOURITE TV PROGRAMME?: Inbetweeners/Hollyoaks
WHAT/WHO REALLY ANNOYS YOU?: Don't get me started!!!
GIVE US A TWO YEAR OLD FOR 2011:Footstepsinthesand 1 (Gatepost) Holy Roman Emperor Filly Ex Mandavilla.
WHAT IS THE BEST DAY OF YOUR RACING LIFE?: To be announced........
WHAT IS THE BEST BET YOU’VE EVER HAD?: Ruby Walsh to ride 3 winners at a Limerick meeting when he had 6 rides and 3 favs. Odds of 33/1 and 40 Euro on him. €1260
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR SPECIALIST SUBJECT ON MASTERMIND?:
FAVOURITE NIGHT OUT?: Most nights out in OZ
FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DESTINATION?: Australia
BEST/WORST SUBJECTS AT SCHOOL?: Best was maths and worst was everything else
WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?: Nothing
WHAT IS THE FUNNIEST THING THAT YOU’VE SEEN IN RACING?: Not in racing but our local Hunts Master arrived to the hunt having had a few too many whiskies. He came out and dropped the ramp of the truck to find no horse or hounds. He'd forgot to load them and left them at home. Hunt cancelled!
FAVOURITE MRC MOMENT?: The new stables being built in the Seven. Three of the pre-fabricated stables had their doors obstructed by the three oak beams holding the place up. Classic. Only at MRC.
