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Gary Carson
Clarke records first winner on 66/1 shot Lord Mczie
Lord Mczie gave jockey Conor Clarke his 1st winner, trained by Ray Hackett
© Photo Healy Racing
Conor Clarke couldn't hide his elation passing the winning post on 66/1 shot Lord Mczie who gave the Toomevara teenager his first success on only his second ride at Navan this afternoon.
The Ray Hackett-trained gelding burst through in the closing stages of the Gain The Advantage Series Handicap to gain a head victory under the 17-year-old.
Clarke stood up in his irons to celebrate passing the winning post and later said:-
“That's unbelievable, I can't put it into words.
“I became apprentice to Ray about two months ago this is only my second ride and I'm delighted to get off the mark.
“My first ride was in Mallow on that lad as well, over a mile. He was probably a bit out of his depth then but he ran well all the same and we had high hopes coming here today.
“I thought I was gone with a few hundred yards to race but seen a bit of a gap again and he pricked his ears and rallied well for me again.
“I wasn't sure if I'd won it as I saw a horse on my outside but one of the lads said well done to me and I was delighted.
“My uncle-in-law Martin Hogan trains a few horses and I got interested in it there. I ride out for Ray Hackett and James Grace now.”