David grew up in Bansha, County Tipperary, surrounded by horses. He enjoyed a successful amateur jockey career, riding over 100 winners between 1990 and 1997, for Dermot Weld, Mick O’Toole, Noel Meade and more. David landed all the top amateur races in Ireland during his short time as an amateur, including the GPT Handicap, Champion Bumber and Havasnack Flat Race.

Following his success in Ireland, David and his wife Mel left for Dubai to work for Champion Trainer, Kieran McLaughlin. Since returning to America, Kieran has gone on to train Invasor to win the Dubai World Cup in 2007.

After 8 years in Dubai, David and Mel returned to Ireland to begin training in April 2005. They began with just 14 stables but have since expanded yearly with a 24 horse American style barn in 2007 and another identical 24 horse barn in early 2009, plus new walkers, swimming pool, lunging rings and large outdoor sand arena.

Since beginning training in 2005 the yard has expanded yearly with a continuing increase of horses and winners.

In 2008 and 2009 they have finished the season just outside the top ten trainers based on winners.

Notable days include a one, two finish in the valuable September Handicap in Leopardstown with Rain Rush and Maundy Money on Champion Stakes Day and landing Doncaster’s prestigious Portland Handicap on St Leger Day with the improving Santo Padre.