Following in the footsteps of her father, a dream comes true for Giaan O'Donnell

A job in retail? No. A nursing career? Pass. Accounting, finance? Never likely. 

For Giaan O'Donnell, it was self-evident.

For as long as she can remember, there was only one job she was ever going to pursue once she left school.

She didn’t seek help or sought advice from career counsellors; with a racing pedigree, her future path was already mapped out.

With a love of horses and her dad a star jockey, O’Donnell was inspired to join the racing world and continue a proud family legacy.

That dream has now turned to reality with O’Donnell set to make her much-anticipated debut as an apprentice rider at Pinjarra on Thursday.

A new face, but familiar name is the latest addition to Perth’s riding ranks.

It’s been years in the making for O’Donnell, but the 22-year-old is just days away from realising an ambition she’s harboured since a young child.

“I’m more than over the moon about it,” O’Donnell told Racing WA.

“It’s like my childhood dream come true; I’ve always wanted to be a jockey.

“I’ve always loved the idea, always so passionate about it.

“I was always at the races with dad, always trying to get days off school so I could go and watch him.

“It’s been a very long time coming, but I’m so excited, I can’t even explain it.”

While some sons and daughters who follow in the footsteps of their talented sporting parents can be burdened by the pressure and expectations, O’Donnell brushed aside those concerns and doesn’t consider it a hindrance.

She draws inspiration from her dad, Shaun O’Donnell, a multiple Group 1-winning jockey who has ridden close to 2000 winners and has forged a reputation as one of the most accomplished and determined riders in WA.

The veteran hoop is as well placed as anyone to guide his daughter through the ups and downs of racing that she will inevitably face.

His decorated career has been littered by injuries, and he’s ridden the highs and lows, but he’s shown admirable resilience in bouncing back from each setback.

Inspired by her dad’s courage and race track successes, O’Donnell hopes her foray into the riding brigade can continue a family tradition.

“It’s really special and I’ve always wanted to be out there with him,” O’Donnell said.

“He’s taught me so much and has been there every single step of the way and I’m very, very grateful to have a mentor like him.

“His way with horses is something I will never be able to explain or work out at all, he’s just a genius with them.

“And his heart, he loves the horses, and he loves racing, he’s exactly who I want to be as a jockey.

“I love him, he’s the best role model and someone everyone looks up to, especially me. I’m very lucky.”

O’Donnell goes into the cut and thrust of racing with her eyes wide open. There are no surprises.

Reaching her lifelong dream is just the beginning. The hard work, dedication and sacrifices required to be a successful jockey start now.

She feels better placed to give it another decent crack after a battle with weight stymied her progress a couple of years ago.

“I wasn’t ready when I thought I was,” O’Donnell said.

“As I was getting a little bit older, I had a little bit of trouble with my weight.

“I couldn’t maintain it; it was fluctuating all the time.

“I was a young kid that probably wasn’t ready and one day I sat down with dad and said I don’t think this is my time.

“I definitely wanted to do it, but thought I would go away and learn some more.”

Broadening that knowledge base led O’Donnell to head east. Like a Harvard or Oxford, she was being educated under one of Australia’s best racing institutions.

“I had a change of scenery and moved to Melbourne,” O’Donnell said.

“I started riding for Gai Waterhouse at Flemington.

“I learnt so much and made some lifelong friends.”

O’Donnell’s debut won’t be in front of thousands of people, but the crowd will definitely be bigger than normal with a host of her family and friends to descend on Pinjarra to lend their support.

“I have a little nervous feeling in my stomach,” O’Donnell said.

“My whole family will be there cheering me on.

“My dad’s parents are coming, Marlyn and Len, my sister, my mum, my little sister will be there.

“It doesn’t feel real yet but does at the same time.

“I can’t wait to get out there.”

O’Donnell gets it all going aboard Safekeeper for host trainer, Simon Miller.

Ticking off another bucket list she goes head-to-head with her dad, who will be legged aboard Chop Suey.

Even before her first race ride, O'Donnell's competitive instincts are kicking in.

“That’s one of the dreams we have spoken about,” O’Donnell said.

“I actually think he’s got a few butterflies.

“I’d love to punch out a finish with him-and beat him obviously.

“That would be great.”

Julio Santarelli