T. P. Burns (b. 1924)

Track 1: T. P., the elder brother of John Burns, recalled his early days, growing up in Lumville House. His early introduction to the world of horse racing, when, in 1938, at 13 years of age, he won his first race on Prudent Rose at a three-day event at the Curragh. Memories of serving his apprenticeship and gaining his indentures as a professional jockey. Track 2: Background to the family history. Track 3: Early days as a jockey in Ireland, before the war. Horseracing life around the Curragh at this time. Track 4: Memories of horse racing being centralised at the Phoenix Park during the war years, due to fuel shortages and the curtailment of travel. Track 5: His father, Tommy, who purchased a property and farm in Pollardstown, Co. Kildare. The difficulties experienced by farmers during the economic war in the 1930s. An anecdote in which he recalled competing against his father in the same race. Track 6: Riding for Dan O’Brien, Vincent’s father, in Churchtown, Co. Cork, which later led to further employment at Ballydoyle with Vincent O’Brien. Track 7: Memories of his career as a jockey and, prompted by Guy Williams, highlighting a challenging occasion in Cheltenham in which his horseriding skills were commended in a ‘nip and tuck’ type of race. Track 8: Getting the rare opportunity to ride Arkle to victory in a flat race.