Maria Christina and Oisin Orr© Photo Healy Racing
Oisin Orr shared the champion apprentice title with Andrew Slattery after dramatically winning the final race of the season, the P & T Stapleton Ltd Sobac Soil Maiden, aboard Maria Christina at Naas.
Slattery held an advantage of two (43-41) going into the final day and Orr’s fate appeared to be sealed when denied by a short-head in the opener.
However, he bounced back just half-an-hour later aboard Tide Of Time and completed a 40/1 plus double in the finale on Maria Christina.
The Dermot Weld-trained filly needed a strong drive, striking the front on the far rail a furlong out and keeping on well to beat the staying on Nan Yehi by a length.
Double Jemmy was the same distance further back in third.
Orr said, “I rode her in a schooling race the other day and she went very well so I had a bit of confidence coming here.
“You just have to keep going after results like the one in the first race. It was going to be a great season no matter what and it’s the most winners I’ve had in a year. It was nice to get that one in the last race.”
Weld said, “I was delighted that they both tied for it. Andy has ridden plenty of big winners for me but I really wanted Oisin to tie with him.
“He’s been a joy to have riding for me all year and is a very talented guy. I know he struggles with his weight, nine stone is just about what he does, but he gets horses to relax and is a real professional.
“He has a lovely job for the winter and goes to Chris Waller in Australia on November 15. I had a long chat with Chris and he’s delighted to have him.
“I appreciate his weight will be a problem in Australia but he hopes to have plenty of rides for him for three months. I think that will be a big help to him.
“The standard of young riders we have in Ireland at the moment is superb.
“This filly (Maria Christina) will probably stay in training next year but she’ll have a break now.”
