Gearoid Brouder and Madeira Girl at the Curragh© Photo Healy Racing
Jockey Gearoid Brouder had a day to remember at the Curragh as he won on his first racecourse ride when he partnered Madeira Girl to a comprehensive victory at headquarters.
The three-year-old trained by Christy Roche raced behind pacesetting Jpevie and Cnocan Diva Brouder pushed him into the lead a furlong out and used hands and heels to the line to score easily by six and a half lengths in the apprentice handicap over a mile.
She was returned at 9/1 (paid 15.10 euro on the Tote). Fast On kept on for second at 7/1 under Joe Doyle, a neck in front of 7/2 favourite Winning Impact and Luke Dempsey.
Brouder is 17 and from Listowel, Co Kerry. He said: “Hopefully I’ll make a go of it on the flat. I’ll try my best. All my family is up so it’s great.”
His brother Kevin, who also works for Christy Roche, led the horse up.
Christy Roche said: “They both joined me this year and have ridden plenty of winners in pony racing.
“I asked Aidan Comerford [one of the owners] to leave the horse with me to give him a few rides. To be honest I’d run out of ideas with the horse before today.
“I didn’t want to put blinkers on in case she ran away on the young lad.”
The winner sported cheekpieces today.
(On course reporting by Alan Magee)
