RED MILLS Ambassadors

Austin O'Connor

Austin O'Connor

Hometown: Cork, now based in Oxfordshire

Competes for: Ireland

Notable Achievements: Representing Ireland at Olympic level in 2000 and 2008.

Current String of Horses: Ringwood Mississippi, Kilpatrick Knight, Balham Houdini, Day by Day, Morning Venture.

Biography: Austin was immersed in the equine industry from a young age, as his family are well respected in equestrian circles. As a Junior, Austin represented Ireland in numerous international competitions, which included a Gold medal win in the Young Rider World Championships in 1995. He has also represented Ireland at senior level in two Olympic Games, in Sydney 2000 on Horseware Fabio and Beijing 2008 on Hobby du Mee.

Austin is now based with his partner, Amy Crerar, at Attington Stud, in Oxfordshire, where he not only trains and competes his own horses, but offers training to pupils in the Stud's excellent facilities. His base in Oxfordshire allows him to compete regularly both at home and abroad, regularly featuring in classes from Novice to 4* events.

He recently competed at Rolex Kentucky 4* with Balham Houdini, owned by himself and Kate Jarvey, earning a very credible 16th place in the horse's 1st 4*. Kilpatrick Knight, owned by Wendie Foster, had a 2nd place in a competitive Advanced class at Withington Manor. His aims for the rest of the season include Aachen CICO3*, Burghley 4* and hopefully Blair European Championships if selected.
 

Speed test - questions and answers

First Riding Memory: Hunting my chestnut Shetland pony 'Foxy', aged 5! This was my first pony!

Career Highlight: Fourth Badminton on Simply Rhett in 1999 and representing Ireland in 2 Olympic Games

Greatest Riding Influence: JJ O'Neill - now racehorse trainer but top jockey when I was a boy

Favourite Way to Unwind: Going to the races

Three Dream Dinner Guests: AP McCoy, Jeremy Clarkson and Jack Charlton

Childhood Hero: Jon Jo O'Neill

Favourite Event: Rolex Kentucky, very fortunate to have been in 2013 and 2015