The 25-year-old from the heart of steeplechase country in Doneraile in north Cork goes into the Christmas racing action as the country’s leading rider. But in terms of banging in winners, O’Keeffe hasn’t missed a beat and that impact will be stamped all over the holiday action. When Blackmore’s serious neck injury ruled her out for the three months before last Christmas O’Keeffe made filling in for her seem routine. Jockey Darragh O'Keeffe. Darragh O’Keeffe gives every sign of continuing to make the most of it.

Source: The Irish Times December 25, 2025 08:00 UTC