There was a popular conclusion to the Porters Saddlery QR Race at Gowran Park today, where eighteen year old Katie Walsh partnered her first winner on her father Ted's Hannon.
The 10/1 winner was held up in mid division before being produced with a well timed challenge to lead close home for a head win over 6/4 favourite Swordplay.
Afterwards a delighted Ted Walsh mentioned 'that's great! Ruby (Katie's brother) rode his first winner at this track nine years ago, and although I doubt Katie will ride as many winners as Ruby, it was brilliant for her to win this! Owner Cathal Ryan was very generous to let Katie ride the horse.'
The race for this season's Champion Apprentice looks set to go right to the end of the season, with both title contenders Cathy Gannon and Pat Cosgrave each adding one winner to their totals.
Cathy Gannon is bidding to become the first female winner of the Series, and she moved level with Cosgrave after landing the opening division of the seven furlong maiden on John Oxx's 4/7 favourite Edaliya.
Afterwards, Oxx stated 'Cathy has been driving me mad by pestering me for horses to ride although she is excellent value for her 5lb claim.'
Half an hour later, however, Pat Cosgrave went one ahead again when partnering Ger Lyons' Hurricane Alley to win the one mile two year old maiden. Lyons' gelding showed the benefit of his two career runs here to defeat even money favourite Pulitser by three lengths.
Cosgrave now leads 24-23.
The opening seven furlong maiden was won by Mick Manning's Jimjonpaddal under Orlando Kelly. According to Manning, the 20/1 win 'did not surprise us. The handicapper raised him a stone after finishing fourth recently but that looks justified now. He may go hurdling soon.'
The Noel Meade-Paul Carberry combination struck again when Kergaul won the two mile handicap chase for Northern owner Jimmy Kernohan while Jamie Codd's three pound claim proved invaluable when gaining a two length win in the two mile handicap hurdle on Sue Bramall's Heemanela
The 2m1f beginners' chase was an incident-packed contest but was eventually won by the Michael Cullen-trained Executive Director. The winner had finished second in the race last season but went one better when making all under Shay Barry.
The bumper was won by even money favourite In The Dip for trainer Joe Crowley and jockey Gareth Power.
Thomas Weekes
