Love At Sea and John Reddington. © Photo Healy Racing
Owner-jockey John Reddington made all the running aboard his own horse Love At Sea to win the concluding Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares(Pro/Am) INH Flat Race at Sligo.
A great supporter of the game, London based Irish man Reddington has ridden winners for Richard Hughes, Sean Curran and Thomas Gallagher in recent seasons. His last Irish winner was Great Universe for Martin Brassil at Clonmel in March 2023.
Sent straight into the lead from the off, Love At Sea set steady fractions in the opening half-mile but gradually went further and further clear of her rivals.
Over 15 lengths in front at the three furlong pole, Reddington kept the Pat Hurley trained six-year-old up to her work, staying on strongly to land odds of 28/1.
John Reddington said: "It was very quiet out there and I was thinking I'd gone too hard! When I got to the three furlong pole, we were going okay, she wasn't stopping, and I couldn't hear anything behind me.
"It wasn't really the plan to make the running but I didn't have much choice!
"I'm in the construction business but I ride out every morning with a friend of mine. You start off the morning in a good way.
"I'm 52 years of age but it's only a number. I look after myself and, fortunately, I don't drink or smoke. Hopefully I'll be a better rider next year!"
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan.
