Crossgar jockey first past post again

Crossgar jockey first past post again

30 April 2014

A YOUNG Crossgar jockey hopes to carve out a successful career in the saddle following his latest success in England.

Twenty-year-old Chris Meehan rode his fifth career winner last Wednesday when booting home 13/8 favourite Daveron in the handicap hurdle at Taunton for his boss Jeremy Scott.

Nineteen times champion jockey Tony McCoy rode in the race and for a moment Chris thought he was going to be his main danger on Exemplary.

“I glanced across and saw that he was looking good but felt confident that my horse was going well so I pushed on half a mile from home,” said Meehan.

After the final flight Meehan drove his mount clear up the straight to defeat Paul Nicholls’ market rival Very Noble by eight lengths.

At the line it was clear the win meant something for the local jockey and he received a great reception on returning to the winner’s enclosure on the well backed favourite.

Daveron was Meehan’s first success for his current boss Jeremy Scott who trains at Dulverton in West Somerset and it was fairly evident that the rider was overjoyed to ride his first winner for him.

Jeremy has supported me and encouraged me and I am delighted to be able to repay his faith with a winner,” said Chris.

Having ridden four winners for trainer Neil Mulholland previously, Meehan has set his sights on a career in racing.

The former pupil of St. Colmcille’s HS, Crossgar, comes from a family with no background in horses but has enjoyed the support of his parents Paul and Bernie and older brother Gary.

As a schoolboy he rode out for Crossgar trainer Colin McBratney and Ballynoe trainer Brian Hamilton before earning a place on the RACE academy at The Curragh.

“The course at RACE really opened my eyes as to what the life of a jockey is all about. It was hard hitting at times but enjoyable at the same time with invaluable advice on fitness and diet,” said Meehan.

While at the academy Chris spent six months with Kildare trainer Michael Halford and also worked for top trainer Willie Mullins for a year alongside jockey Ruby Walsh.

“When you’re getting advice from Ruby Walsh it can only help and my time at Mullins’ yard was a good experience.”

Wednesday’s win means Chris has lost 3lb from his claiming allowance meaning he will claim 7lb in future races. He also has plans to ride on the flat during the summer for Manton trainer George Baker.

“There are so many lads working in England at the minute and as a result it’s very competitive in terms of getting rides.

“Nearly every yard has one or maybe two conditional jockeys all hoping to carve out a successful career,” said Meehan.

With dreams of securing a job at a big yard in the future Chris hopes his dedication and hard work will one day pay off, but for the moment he is happy to put in the hard graft hoping that it will reap dividends further down the line.

Horse and jockey are in action again at Fos Llas tomorrow where they will be bidding for a quick double and there’s no doubt Meehan will be giving his all to secure win number six of his fledgling career.