‘I ride for everyone and anyone,’ says Martin ‘Fly’ McIntyre. The tactic is working; last season, he rode his hundredth winner between the Flags on Rocky Creed at Lockinge on Easter Monday, plus there have been nearly twenty victories under Rules.
And the nickname Fly? ‘I got it from Enda Bolger. I was schooling at his place in County Limerick and I swallowed a fly,’ explains Martin, 35, with a grin. ‘He called me the Fly Catcher and the name Fly stuck ever since.’
In August 2020, Martin started at David Pipe’s Pond House Stables, Somerset and lives in Sunnyside, which is the second yard, with Maisie the cat. As well as being a dedicated and hard-working member of the team, he is really hilarious and a massive joker, which was proved when asked his relationship status, his answer was ‘I’m single and ready to mingle!’
There might be the jokes and fun, but there’s also that serious side that has meant Martin, originally from Ratoath in County Meath, has successfully fitted into the top amateur ranks over here.
Did you have a horsey childhood? No, I never had a horsey background growing up.
How did you get into racing? Basically, my niece wanted to go for horse riding lessons and she wouldn’t go on her own so I had to go with her. I was eighteen at the time and had never sat on a horse.
What trainers have you worked for? In Ireland, I worked for George Stanley, Andy Lynch and Enda Bolger. I moved across the sea to work for Kim Bailey and then I worked for Richard Barber in his point-to-point yard. I rode ‘pointers for him and won the novice rider award. Since then, I’ve been to Harry Fry’s, Neil Mulholland and now I’m at David Pipe’s.
Favourite racecourse between the Flags: Larkhill – it’s a fair track and the best horse always wins.
Favourite racecourse under Rules: Exeter because it’s very local.
Has racing ever taken you abroad? I went to America to ride in amateur timber races.
Best days in racing so far in point-to-pointing? My first winner for Richard Barber at Milborne St Andrews in 2013 on a legend of a horse called Barneys Mate.
Best days so far under Rules: When I rode for Richard Bandey and won at the Cheltenham Hunter Chase evening on a lovely horse called Woodfleet.
Favourite racehorse: Douglas Longbottom because, hopefully, he will bring me back to Cheltenham with a live chance.
Racing heroes: Gerry Supple, Ashley Farrant and Merv Woodward.
Which race would you most like to win ‘pointing? The Coronation Cup at Larkhill because it’s at my favourite track. I’d love to win it one day.
Which race would you most like to win under Rules? The Aintree Foxhunters’ because it’s a very prestigious race and I’d love to ride a winner over the Grand National fences.
Best advice you were given about riding in races: Take your time – there is only one winning post.
What do you love most about racing? The horses, the people and the craic.
Where do you think improvements can be made to racing? I would put the weights up as I’m getting heavier.
Favourite meal: Probably bacon and cabbage.
Favourite drink: San Miguel lager and tea.
Favourite snack: Chicken Fridge Raiders.
Favourite holiday destination: Going back home to Ireland.
Dream celebrity date: Katy Perry.
Favourite music: The Lumineers and Stormzy.
Favourite film: Rocky Balboa.
Other hobbies/interests: Golfing, when I have the time.
If you weren’t a jockey, what would you be? I’d be a carpenter like my father.
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