Paramount & Pisarek take the Ladies Derby

Martha Pisarek recorded her first ever win aboard Paramount in the Thalgo Ladies Derby Handicap for trainer Ted Walsh in the colours of his wife Helen.

The four time winner before today was sent off one of the outsiders at 20/1 but belied those odds when staying on best to beat Jigalo into second.

The 33/1 runner up Jigalo for the mother and daughter team of Joanna Morgan and Katie McGivern, looked the winner for a stride or two inside the final furlong but he couldn't hold off the challenge of Paramount who went on to win by three parts of a length at the line. Dimona was the second John Oxx trained horse of the day to stay on well close home, as she took third a length and a half back.

Pisarek from the small village of Las in southern Poland, has been with Walsh for four to five years.

Walsh said after the race: "She knocked on the door four to five years ago looking for some work. She has a degree in Horticulture and she done some dressage.

"She rode in a few Charity Races in the past.

"The horse is a funny old lad and we have him for fun only.

"Before the race I told her to forget about the love and give him a few cracks. I'm delighted for her, she might not have too many people cheering in the parade ring but she will have the Walsh clan!"

Pisarek said afterwards “Ted is the best!”

Donal Murphy