My ‘one-of-a-kind’ jockey dad died in a fall just days before I was born – now I’m riding winners for Willie Mullins

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A JOCKEY whose dad died in a tragic fall just days before he was born is rocketing up the ranks – banging in winners for Willie Mullins.

Sean Cleary-Farrell has three winners from just four rides for the all-conquering Irish trainer this year.

Trainer Willie Mullins speaking with jockey Paul Townend.

He notched his first career double aboard Mullins‘ odds-on hotshots Spanish Harlem and Keep Up at Punchestown on Sunday.

Mullins’ right-hand man David Casey was full of praise for Cleary-Farrell after.

And he hinted he could get the leg up in some big-money races aboard Spanish Harlem – who was fourth in the bet365 Gold Cup – when the new season gets going properly.

He said: “Sean is in Willie’s full-time and is a good rider and works hard.

“He took a couple weeks off and rode a winner on the Flat in France.

“These days are for lads like him. He’s getting his chance and he’s taking it with both hands.

“Sean gave Spanish Harlem a good ride and he kept galloping well.

“I’d say nicer ground suits him and obviously those extended trips. He ran a real good race at Sandown.

“I’d say he’ll be looking at races like the Kerry National and Munster National.”

Cleary-Farrell’s rapid success is doubly impressive given the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding his father’s death aged just 22.

Sean Cleary was one of Ireland’s ‘leading young riders’ and described as a ‘one-of-a-kind’ talent when he was killed in a race at Galway in October 2003.

Tragically, Sean Jnr was born just two months after his father passed as a result of severe head injuries suffered in the spill.

Describing his father, Cleary-Farrell said on The Irish Field: “My late father Sean died tragically following a fall at Galway, a couple of months before I was born.

“Unfortunately, there are very few videos or DVDs of his rides but photos of his winners still adorn the walls of my grandparents’ house.

“Growing up I was always aware of who he was and what an accomplished jockey he had been during his short career.”

Mullins took Cleary-Farrell under his wing at Closutton and the conditional jockey says he loves it there.

The Irish handler has also started giving more rides to the hugely promising Anna McGuinness, who had another winner under the Mullins banner last weekend.

Given the superstars they ride out at Mullins’ HQ every day, it’s no surprise they’re finding it relatively easy work on the racecourse proper.

Speaking after his latest win, Cleary-Farrell said: “I can’t describe how I feel, it will take me a while to come down off this cloud.

“A big thank you to Willie for giving me the opportunity to ride these horses, he’s looking after me.”

Sounds like they’ll be looking out for each other in the winner’s enclosure for many months, and hopefully years, to come.