It’s been a week of exciting wins for Wexford-based trainers and jockeys, with local success stories emerging both at home and abroad.
On Monday, December 17, Tara trainer Shane Crawley celebrated a win in the 0-100 handicap chase at Naas, as The Big Cloud powered through in the closing stages to secure the victory at odds of 9-1. The horse was ridden by Sean O’Keeffe, a talented jockey from Taghmon, Wexford, who continues to show his strength in the saddle.
A particularly noteworthy win came last Friday in Bahrain, where Katie McGivern, based near Rosslare Strand, claimed the Al Manama Cup worth approximately €44,000. McGivern’s sprinter, Kendall Roy, won in spectacular style, adding another €150,000 to his earnings. “This win means everything,” McGivern said, expressing her delight in the victory that solidified Kendall Roy’s reputation as one of her most consistent performers.
Back on Irish soil, Tiernan Power Roche, from Tomhaggard, Co Wexford, guided Kotkito Bello to a fantastic win in the 2m handicap hurdle at Thurles on Saturday. The 11-4 shot was not to be denied, pulling clear in the final stretch to win by over eight lengths, securing his third consecutive victory for trainer Philip Rothwell from Tinahely, Co Wicklow.
Bridgetown’s Seamus Neville also got in on the action at Thurles, as his 6-1 contender Long Branch came through in the final strides of the 2m6f novice hurdle. Ridden by Michael Kenneally from Dungourney, Co Cork, Long Branch clinched a thrilling victory over the favourite, He Can’t Dance, trained by the in-form Gordon Elliott.