Laois jockey among nominees for 2026 HRI Emerging Talent Award
The Mountrath teenager narrowly missed out on the Apprentice Jockey Championship but has now received further recognition for his efforts
Mountrath jockey Reese Holohan has received further recognition for his breakthrough season after being nominated for the Emerging Talent Award at the 2026 Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) Awards.
The Laois teenager is among six nominees in the category, which recognises the rising stars of Irish racing, following an impressive campaign that saw him establish himself as one of the country's most promising young jockeys.
Holohan is nominated alongside fellow jockeys Sam Coen, Eoin Staples and Alan O'Sullivan, as well as trainers Danny McLoughlin and Paddy Magee.
The nomination comes after a memorable season for the Mountrath rider, who finished third in the 2026 Apprentice Jockey Championship after narrowly missing out on the title at the final meeting of the flat season.
Holohan headed into last Sunday's meeting at the Curragh with 24 winners, just two behind leader Sam Coen, and had four rides as he attempted to finish the campaign at the top of the standings. However, Paddy Harnett's superb day of winners at the Curragh ultimately saw him claim the championship, with Holohan finishing second twice on Gerrit's Gem and San Aer.
The Laois jockey did manage to bring his season to a winning conclusion on Wednesday evening, partnering Apache Outlaw to victory at Dundalk in his final ride of the campaign.
One of the standout moments of Holohan's year came during the Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown in September, when he partnered Krasimir to victory in the Sovereign Path Premier Handicap for trainer Ger Lyons.
His latest nomination provides further recognition of the progress made throughout the season and places him among a select group of emerging talents being recognised by Horse Racing Ireland.
The 2026 HRI Awards will celebrate the outstanding achievements across Irish racing, with winners in the Emerging Talent and other categories decided by a committee comprising members of the Irish racing media.
Holohan is one of several nominees from across the four provinces, with 13 counties represented across the various categories.
The Emerging Talent Award is one of seven categories to be decided by the HRI Awards committee, alongside the Flat, National Hunt, Flat Achievement, National Hunt Achievement, Point-to-Point and Horse of the Year awards.
Suzanne Eade, chief executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said the nominees highlighted the depth of talent within Irish racing and the strength of the sport throughout the country.
The ceremony will take place in Dublin on Monday, December 7.