Raise You (white face) and John Gleeson go clear © Photo Healy Racing
Raise You (5/2) landed the Paddy Power Amateur Riders Derby in the hands of fifth-year student John Gleeson.
A classy sort over shorter trips, the white-faced 5-year-old by Lope De Vega was settled behind the leaders by his young rider and made smooth headway to challenge in the straight. He led over a furlong out and readily went clear to beat Barbados by six lengths.
The winning rider’s father Brian is part-owner of Raise You who was winning at headquarters for the second time this season after taking a mile handicap here in April.
Brendan Powell, assistant to winning trainer Joseph O'Brien, said: “He did it well and John gave him a peach of a ride.
“I don't think they went overly quick early and the one thing the horse did today was settled very well because he can be a bit keen.
“He won over a mile-and-a-quarter as a three-year-old in England and he really kicked clear there and did it well. It opens up things a bit more.
“I thought for a lad that has only been riding six or eight months that he gave him a beautiful ride.
“It's great for the family, that's what it's all about, and it's a good way for them to finish the season.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
