Bear Claws with Calum Hogan and his dad Ray © Photo Healy Racing
After 17-year-old Kyle McHugh in the opener, year younger Calum Hogan was another young rider to partner his first winner when 33/1 shot Bear Claws landed the apprentice handicap.
Down the field in a couple of hurdle races since his return from a winter break, the seven-year-old came from well off the pace and Hogan, who has had just a handful of rides, secured a dream run down the inner in the straight to beat Dinamine by a length and a half.
Owner/trainer Eric McNamara said "it is all down to Calum and what a ride he gave him. It was his first time riding at his local track and he gave him a super ride. He was patient, got the opening and stole a few lengths entering the straight and it was the winning of the race.
"He is a fine young fella and his mum and dad can be very proud of him. He has spent the last month in David O'Meara's in England but even in that time he looks to have grown again.
"We've been lucky with many local lads from Rathkeale who rode for us and turned out to be fine riders. They've done very well for themselves and this fella is able to ride as well."
Hogan, 16, added "Dad rode him work on Wednesday morning and said he worked fair well and he was right! I'm delighted and can't believe it.
"Dad was a jump jockey (based with McNamara and Frank Berry) for 10 years but was quite tall and struggled with his weight. I'm thankful for dad and to Eric and it is a class feeling - it is the feeling you are trying to catch for years doing pony racing.
"If I could stay light, I'd love to stay on the flat but if not I'll have no problem going jumping."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
