Amy Jo Hayes pictured with sister Nikki after riding her 1st winner.© Photo Healy Racing
Amy Jo Hayes rode her first winner under rules when Sunset Nova kept on best to land Division l of the Kilberry Apprentice Handicap at Navan.
It was a day to remember for the young apprentice who had gone close on a couple of occasions previously.
Her mount, a five-time winner at Dundalk had only one previous success on turf but showed plenty of spark here as he powered up the hill.
Race favourite Rough Diamond kept on well under Sorcha Woods for second, with We're On The Way back in third.
Amy Jo Hayes said; "It means the world. I've been beaten on the line but today was my day!
"I wasn't expecting that at all, he winged it home and came up in between them. I looked around me and there was nobody beside me!
"I've worked in Andy Slattery's for the last two years and I'm apprenticed to him. He has looked after me and Sunset Nova always gave me a good spin.
"I'm from Fethard in Tipperary and I'm 21."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
