Nicola Burns: Teen Talent Burns Bright in Ireland

Jockey in Yellow Against Motion Blurred Race

The 21st Century has been a golden era for female jockeys. Inspired by the likes of Hayley Turner and Cathy Gannon, female riders have hit the headlines for all the right reasons in recent years.

Over jumps, Rachael Blackmore has peppered the winners’ enclosure, with highlights including the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup and a historic Grand National triumph aboard Minella Times in 2021. Meanwhile, on the level, Hollie Doyle recently overhauled Hayley Turner to become the most successful female jockey in the history of British racing.

Just as Blackmore and Doyle were inspired by those who came before, their headline-grabbing victories have served to drive the next generation of female riders. Included in that number is teen sensation Nicola Burns, who is in the process of compiling one of the best seasons in the modern era by a female flat jockey in Ireland.

Born into the Game

As a daughter of County Westmeath trainer Robbie Burns, Nicola found herself around ponies and horses from an early age. Bitten by the pony racing bug, Burns quickly identified life as a professional jockey as her number one career choice.

Burns made her debut under rules as a sixteen-year-old in 2024, but may have taken to the saddle even earlier, but for heeding the advice of her mother. Outlining her eagerness to climb into the saddle, Burns stated, “Even when I was in school, I always wanted to leave, but the mother wouldn’t let me.”

Wisely adhering to the “mother knows best” mantra, Burns remained in school to obtain her Leaving Certificate. With that box ticked, she wasted little time pursuing her chosen profession.

Father/Daughter Team Up at the Curragh

Taking out her licence in early October 2024, Nicola counted her father’s Genuine Jim amongst her earliest rides. Having finished a solid fourth in a seven-furlong Curragh Handicap on 17th October, the duo returned to the course and distance just five days later.

Well positioned from the off, Burns displayed a cool head and judged the pace perfectly to get on top late for victory by one and a half lengths.

Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Handicap Result – Curragh 22/10/24

Pos. Horse (SP) Trainer Jockey
1 Genuine Jim (15/2) Robbie Burns Nicola Burns
2 Are You In Or Out (33/1) Paul Stafford Chris Hayes
3 Racing Royalty (11/2) Gillian Scott Billy Lee
4 Nahori (5/1) Thomas Gibney Robert Whearty

When reflecting on what must have been an emotional first win for her father, Burns stated:

“It was a great feeling, but it was actually more relief than anything. Pure relief just to get that first winner out of the way.”

22 and Counting in 2025

Barring a blank May 2025, Burns has ridden at least one winner in every month since that debut success in October 2024. So far in 2025, her overall tally stands at 22, putting her within touching distance of riding out her seven-pound claim and in the process of compiling a noteworthy season.

Since 1988, only three female riders have ridden more than 22 Irish flat winners in a season. If Nicola Burns can reach 25 winners in 2025, she will lie behind only Cathy Gannon, who racked up 33 Irish flat wins in 2004 and 28 in 2003.

Highlights to Date

While Burns’ win-o-meter continues to tick over at an impressive rate, her “Big Race Wins” column remains blank for now. One suspects her biggest days lie ahead of her, but her highlights reel already includes a pair of standout performances.

Her 21st win aboard the Kieran Cotter-trained On A Session at Galway served as a fine illustration of Burns’ determination. Overcoming a tricky draw in stall one and a slipped saddle, the tenacious teen stuck to her guns up the inside rail before switching to the outside to deliver a perfectly timed finishing effort.

And then we have El Bello – a horse who had failed to win in 20 previous turf outings. The six-year-old’s record over trips beyond seven furlongs also stood at zero wins from 20 starts. Lining up in a 1m4f turf handicap for trainer Raymond Hurley, who had not saddled a winner for 12 years, his prospects looked bleak. Burns, however, had other ideas. Allowing the grey to creep into the race from the rear, she saved ground when sticking to the centre of the track off the final bend, hit the front close home, and scored by a neck.

Inspired by the Best

Burns may ply her trade on the flat, but when asked to name a source of inspiration, she wastes little time naming Ireland’s greatest ever female National Hunt rider.

Rachael Blackmore shocked the racing world when announcing her retirement in May 2025. However, her achievements are unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon by fans or fellow riders, including Burns, who stated:

“Seeing all that Rachael achieved was a big inspiration for me. She’s the one we all look up to now. She’s the one we all want to be.”

Turning 18 in December, Burns is not yet old enough to buy a pint of Guinness. What she lacks in experience, she makes up for in talent and drive. While it is still early days, she has as good a chance as any to follow in the footsteps of Gannon, Turner, Blackmore, and co.