Wesley Joyce on his Champion Apprentice ambitions
The jockey has made an incredible comeback following a horror fall three years ago
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Wesley Joyce is in the thick of the race to be crowned Champion Apprentice
A little over three years ago, Wesley Joyce was fighting for his life. Now, he has his sights set on capping a remarkable return to the saddle with the Champion Apprentice crown.
Joyce was just 19 when he suffered a horror fall at the 2022 Galway Festival, his mount Red Heel – who was leading the race – stumbling over the road crossing and ejecting the jockey into the path of the trailing horses.
He was rushed to intensive care at Galway University Hospital and the incident left him with broken ribs, a punctured lung, a broken shoulder and a fractured larynx, the impact of which can still be heard in his hushed tones.
But Joyce, who discovered the sport aged five as part of a RACE outreach programme with the Moyross Youth Academy, was not prepared to give up on his ambitions in the sport.
He returned to competitive riding in August 2023 and is currently nearing the end of his best season yet.
Joyce has 21 winners to his name so far, just one shy of Robert Whearty and Michael Hassett at the top of the leading apprentice standings.
Naturally, given all he has been through, Joyce has a perspective beyond simply clocking up winners – but he can’t help dreaming of what it might mean to win the silverware.
“It would be a big achievement for me, coming back after my fall and everything,” he said.
“To get the HRI (Flat Achievement) Award (in 2023) and to top it off and win the Champion Apprentice would be a great story. Hopefully we can get it over the line.
“The dream will always be for my voice to come back but after all the injuries I had, to come out with just no voice is unbelievable. If it never changes, I still get to do what I love, so I’m happy enough.
“It was traumatising what happened but I’m grateful to the doctors, paramedics and everyone who was there. If it wasn’t for them, I probably wouldn’t have made it - they were worried about me surviving.
“They have all done an amazing job.”
Should Joyce get over the line, he will have a particular gratitude to Sunriseontheboyne.
The three-year-old has been responsible for four of the jockey’s wins this year, including his seasonal highlight.
“He won a Premier Handicap at Navan as a bit of an outsider,” he said.
A superb finish to the Royal County Handicap at Navan as Sunriseontheboyne holds on for Wesley Joyce and Michael Mulvany! 👏 pic.twitter.com/R2bPg5H1Bc
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) May 17, 2025
“I got a lead on him and he kept going, he’s a tough horse. I have won six on him overall. When he gets ahead, his ears go back and he won’t let another horse go past. He’s a good, honest horse.
“I have to thank the owners and trainers for putting me up on these good horses. That’s what it’s all about – and when you get one, you have to stay cool.”
Joyce’s story is one of persistence, determination and skill, all traits he is hoping to pass on as he continues his work with the Moyross Youth Academy in Limerick – the area which also produced his recently acquired sporting acquaintance, rugby star Keith Earls.
“I am trying to show these young people what is possible,” he said.
“I had a dream, but reality is different. I chased the dream and I’m here today where I am. Hopefully they can follow in my footsteps.”