Pat Shanahan with jockey Ronan Whelan© Photo Healy Racing
Recently retired Irish Derby winning jockey Pat Shanahan recorded his first winner as a trainer when his Prince Jock landed the Campile Apprentice Handicap at Wexford today, under Ronan Whelan.
Shanahan, who spent 30 years at the forefront of Irish racing as a jockey and won the 1996 Irish Derby on Zagreb, retired from the saddle and took out his trainers' license earlier this year and was having his 13th runner in his new profession at Wexford today.
Ridden by one of Ireland's most promising young riders Ronan Whelan, Prince Jock (4/1f) was badly drawn in 14 and needed to be pushed along in the early stages to hold a prominent position. The son of Repent improved to lead under two furlong out before staying on well for a two lengths win over Rock On Ciara
After the win, Shanahan, who trains at Danesfort, Co Kilkenny, said “it's great to get that monkey off my back! Prince Jock was unlucky at Leopardstown the last time, as a horse got loose and he was left in the stalls for ages and he hates that.
“His run at Limerick before that was very good and he will now go for something similar. He likes a break between his races and is best when fresh. He'll probably run again in three to four weeks. I have 17 in training at the moment but the gate is always open for new horses!”
Incidentally Shanahan had ridden Prince Jock on all except one of his previous runs before this year (when in the care of Tracey Collins) while his last ride as a jockey came on Prince Jock's half sister, Baby Jock, at Dundalk in January.
