The Virginian and Kevin Manning (head down, red cap)© Photo Healy Racing
Veteran jockey Kevin Manning rode a winner on his first ride for trainer Padraig Roche at Dundalk today, steering 28/1 outsider The Virginian to a first career success in the Join On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap.
Well beaten in a Down Royal handicap hurdle on his previous start last August, the six year old reappeared under a patient ride from the Derby winner, who moved him from rear to lead inside the final furlong and beat Cursory Exam by half a length.
Manning replaced Roche's father Christy Roche as Jim Bolger's stable jockey in 1993, facts not lost on the young trainer who today reported "Kevin gave him some ride and is still going great. It was great to have him.”
He added "Kevin said he got the trip well there tonight and the tongue-tie obviously helped a bit, not that there was anything wrong with his wind. He was working well with it.
Afterwards Roche reported “he lost his way a bit last year but in fairness to John and Hugh from Oghill (House Stud), they brought him home and did a good job freshening him up.”
Quotes from Michael Graham
