In the first episode of Inside Track: Ireland – In Conversation, Jane Mangan sits down with one of the most influential figures in modern racing, Jessica Harrington.
Across a remarkable career spanning more than four decades, Harrington has conquered both Flat and National Hunt racing, training legendary horses including Alpha Centauri, Sizing John, Moscow Flyer, Macs Joy and many more.
But this conversation goes far beyond the winners.
Jessica reflects on growing up in post-war Ireland, representing Ireland in eventing, building one of Europe's most successful racing yards, losing her husband Johnny, battling breast cancer and why she remains as driven as ever.
She also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Royal Ascot, Cheltenham and the Olympics, reveals what made horses like Alpha Centauri and Sizing John so special, and explains why retirement has never crossed her mind.
This is Jessica Harrington as you've never heard her before.
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0:00 Introduction
1:46 Success, Reinvention & Still Learning
4:45 Growing Up in 1940s Ireland
9:10 Eventing, Badminton & Olympic Dreams
14:04 Becoming a Racehorse Trainer
16:20 Building a Winning Yard
18:37 Pressure, Competition & Success
19:43 Adventures Beyond Racing
21:05 The Safari Accident That Changed Everything
23:08 Favourite Horses & Moscow Flyer Memories
26:27 Why She Switched to the Flat
27:27 Alpha Centauri & Sizing John
29:43 Jessica's Cancer Battle
33:27 Why She's Hungrier Than Ever
35:35 The Joy of Training Young Horses
37:00 Women in Racing
40:41 Ruby Walsh, Rachel Blackmore & Ryan Moore
42:32 Quickfire Questions
45:32 Final Reflections