Daniel’s first triumph is highlight of charity day

Daniel’s first triumph is highlight of charity day

11 July 2012

HORSE and pony racing made a welcome return to the local area on Sunday with the East Down Charity Meeting in aid of Marie Curie and Action Cancer taking place over the famous Corbett Gallops at Tyrella.

Unfortunately, the event which drew fans, jockeys and trainers from all over Ireland was hampered by rain all afternoon.

There was plenty for the locals to cheer about in the first race of the day with 12 year-old Daniel McMenamin giving a fine riding display from the front to record his first ever winner on Mr Marshal, which, for good measure, he trains himself.

Daniel, from Ballynoe, got a great reception on returning to unsaddle where he performed a Frankie Dettori dismount.

Another rider to record a first ever success was Niall Grehan, a 15 year-old from County Meath. Niall, riding Dire on Gerge to win from Pretty Woman in the second race of the day.

The race that so many were looking forward to was the Marie Curie Charity Race over two miles, this race, being open to current and past amateur jockeys.

The race lived up to its billing and provided a good finish with Seine Dub with former jockey and chimney sweep Steven Laird, son of Brian, who put so much effort into arranging the meeting as chairman of the association, just winning from Murphy, ridden by the well known and popular Katesbridge trainer, Gerry Cosgrove, who on returning to unsaddle, quipped:” Never Worry about the horse blowing up, what about the rider?”

Third finisher was Le Roy with top jockey Danny Fitzsimons in the saddle. Other current riders taking part were Johnnie Cresswell, Pat Turley and Conor Smith.

The Raymond McCartan trophy race over two miles saw 12 take part with New Tiger, ridden by Luke Dempsey, son of former top amateur and now trainer Philip, second here was Leona’s Prince with C.V. third.

With such a large entry

the one mile open race was divided and in the first division Dirty Harry with Conor Orr in the saddle was the worthy winner.

In the second division, Torres with Paul Lecky in the saddle came with a stormy late run to snatch victory.

It was a good day for young Orr as he then rode Mountain Hawk to victory in the Paddy Dobbin Memorial Open race over 1.25 miles. These two wins saw him pick up the Michael Carey Plaque as top rider of the day.

Jordan Benson is one of the current top riders in the sport and he got his name on the winners’ board when riding Hennesey to victory in the 1.5 mile open race.

The trip from Donegal paid off for 12 year-old Roland Dougherty when he rode Georgia to success in the John McCartan Memorial race. Paddy Kelly recorded the second winner of his career when he rode Booteman to success.

The East Down Association wish to thank the North West Horse & Pony Racing Association for their invaluable help. Also all the many sponsors and the St. John’s Ambulance for their attendance and those who came along to support the event despite the rain.