Sean McDermott© Photo Healy Racing
Jump jockey Sean McDermott added a feather to his cap when riding his first winner in America at Saratoga last month for Hall Of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard.
McDermott guided Sheppard's Barnstorming to win the $75,000 Michael G. Walsh Novice Hurdle Stakes and the rider was understandably pleased with his 'flying visit', saying “it was a one-off visit for the time being at least but it was great to get a winner.”
He added “I went out to ride for trainer Thomas Voss who wanted me for the Saratoga meeting shortly after the Galway Festival. I'd six rides in all, won on one of them, for Jonathan Sheppard, and was placed on three more rides. It worked out well and the race I won had a good pot and the horse I won on (Barnstorming) is probably a fair horse.
“The minimum prizemoney for a race is $65,000 but there aren't as many races for jump jockeys there and while it might be an option to go there full-time at some stage again, I prefer being busier riding in Ireland. There is a big meeting at Far Hills next month and I might be there for that.”
McDermott is freelancing in Ireland at present and currently rides work for trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon, John O'Shea and Colin Kidd.
By Thomas Weekes.
