Dani Barcelona was a first winner for jockey Sean Cleary Farrell.© Photo Healy Racing
Dani Barcelona provided young Sean Cleary Farrell with a day to remember when giving him his first racecourse winner in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick.
The young Athlone man, a son of the late Sean Cleary, was having just his third ride over hurdles. Grandson of trainer Tom(Cleary) and Classic winning jockey Rory(Cleary), he is steeped in racing.
An apprentice on the flat for a short time, Cleary Farrell switched codes last year and is based with champion trainer Willie Mullins.
Always prominent here aboard Dani Barcelona, Cleary Farrell took up the running 3 out and made the best of his way home from there.
There was an incident on the run downhill when both Happy D'ex and Still Ciel both lost their riders.
Sean Cleary Farrell said: "I'm over the moon!
"That was the only worry I really had coming out with her in that she can be very keen. The plan was to race in behind Conor Maxwell on the first circuit. As soon as she hit the front, she settled a bit better, so I just let her go.
"I was surprised how well she quickened, I'm very happy with her. She jumped very well, I schooled her last week at home. It is great she came and did it at the track.
"I had two rides for my grandfather when I first got my conditional licence. It is great to get one off the boss Willie (Mullins).
"The weight just got a bit to me (on the Flat) so I decided I wanted to go jump racing. It was time to change and I'm very happy that I did.
"I always said I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps (the late Sean Cleary) so I'm happy I am. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the staff in Willie's.
"I'm living down in Carlow with my mam."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
