Richard ‘Richie’ McLernon was born in Churchtown, County Cork, the nephew of Tommy Carmody, who was Champion Jump Jockey in Ireland twice in the 1980s. During school McLernon spent time on the point-to-point circuit, before joining trainer Eugene O’Sullivan in Lombardstown once he had finished his education.  

After riding six winners across the 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons, McLernon decided to move over to England to try and advance his career, joining the legendary Jonjo O’Neill at his Gloucestershire based Jackdaws Castle, a location where he has become part of the furniture.  

McLernon got the first of his Cheltenham wins in 2012 when he won the JLT Specialty Handicap Chase aboard Alfie Sherrin, before following it up with wins in 2013 and 2014 aboard Holywell. The wait for his fourth win was a long one, but after 12 years, McLernon won again at Cheltenham, triumphing on Johnnywho in the Ultima for Jonjo & AJ O’Neill.