Johnny 'Wango' Moore has three mounts for Michael Hourigan this evening at Ballinrobe as the Wexford RACE graduate bids for his first winner.

Moore has worked with the likes of Gordon Elliott in the past and indeed he got his career off to a good start back in August 2010 when third on that trainer's Wikaala at Bellewstown.

Moore's best chance today would appear to be Dawerann favourite for the Purcell Construction Maiden Hurdle whilst the Mayo-owned Sherco Sports would seem to have an each-way squeak in the 8.25.

There is a bit of money about this morning for Moore's final ride of the evening, Friendly Society in the finale at 8.55.

From Adamstown (homeplace of Danoli's rider, Padraig English, 3 from 3 on Tom Foley's star) in the 'Model' County, Moore explained: "I started out by riding out for Mossie McCabe when I was thirteen and I signed on as an apprentice with Gordon Elliott.

"I've been over with Philip Hobbs too. My best placing so far was finishing second in a Martinstown race at Down Royal at Christmas in 2010 (beaten three parts of a length on Chino Valdes).

"I've been with Mr Hourigan now for about six weeks and it's great that I've been given chances like this evening. Hopefully it'll work out well."

The origins of the 'wango' nickname goes back to a description Moore has given about how to get a horse across a double bank – "I had to pull out my stick to 'wango' him over." (EM)