Intisari and Conor Hoban© Photo Healy Racing
Jockey Conor Hoban did his career prospects no harm at Dundalk today, completing a double in the featured Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund 'Red God' Handicap on his first ride for trainer Ger Lyons on winner Intisari
Hoban, based with Michael Halford and who earlier won the opener on the Paul Deegan trained Well Caught moved Intisari to the front two furlongs out and in the end stayed on strongly for an easy win over Royal Navy Ship
The three year old was stepping up from maiden company having won at Navan in July and a relieved Lyons later explained "that was Conor's first ever ride for me; I asked Colin (Keane, stable jockey) the other day if he would do 2lb 'over' on him but he's too professional and wouldn't do it.
"It was one of those calls, was I doing the right thing sending a boy (three year old Intisari) to do a man's job but thankfully he was up to it. I said this morning at feeding that I thought I was doing the wrong thing but the race worked out lovely."
He added "the one thing I did say to Conor was to be careful about hitting the front too soon as he's as green as grass. I thought it was very very impressive from a baby and I'm delighted.
"I won this with Saxo Jack (in 2013) and he's every bit as good as him. I'm not sure if he's quite as good as Fiery Lad (won in 2008) yet but he's earned the right to stay on the team.
"I would say that's him out of handicaps now after that performance."
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
