Nicole Smyth rides her first winner

From just a handful of rides Nicole Smyth partnered her first winner on 50/1 shot Pegasus Bridge in division two of the Fundraise At Dundalk Stadium Handicap.

After a very exciting conclusion, the Liam Lennon owned and trained Pegasus Bridge (in first-time cheek-pieces) got home by a nose, a short head and a head from Tynamite Kinch and Tribal Path

Smyth (22), from Fermanagh, explained: “I go out there (the Lennon yard), some mornings, as much as I can, but I’m based with Marshall Watson.

“There are plenty of horses there and hopefully in the summer time there will be loads of opportunities.

“I basically didn’t want to go to school anymore. I always did show-jumping so I went to RACE and absolutely loved it. I just fell in love with the game.”

For his part Lennon said: “He's a horse that we bought cheap out of Ascot sales and we always thought there would be a day in him.

“He was away down in the weights, we claimed 10lb off him today and Nicole gave him a perfect ride.

“She was good on him. We told her there was no pressure as she was riding for friends.

“She rides him at home, she rides him on the beach, and she loves the horse. She rides out for me three mornings a week.”

The Stewards requested a report from Liam Lennon, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Pegasus Bridge (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form.

Liam Lennon reported that he reduced the weight to be carried by his charge by engaging a 10lb claimer and also replaced the blinkers previously worn on recent starts with first time cheek pieces tonight.

In his opinion these were contributing factors to the animals successful run.

Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.

(GC & EM)