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Tom Weekes

Tom Weekes

Dundalk double for fast learners

Fri 14th Jan 2022, 19:46

James Ryan with Philly's HopeJames Ryan with Philly's Hope
© Photo Healy Racing

James Ryan was the second jockey to register a first success today at Dundalk, as the 17 year old partnered Philly's Hope to win the concluding Join On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap (div II) for his employer trainer Tom McCourt.

The five year old daughter of Camacho was slowly into stride, raced in mid-division before progressing to challenge early in the home straight. In the closing stages, jockey Ryan showed strength and balance as he switched his whip twice and kept the the mare going to beat Miracles In May by two and three parts of a length.

A delighted Ryan later reported “I've just turned 17 and I'm from Oldtown in Co. Dublin. Hopefully I can get going now after that.

“That's unbelievable, it took time as I've had around 50 rides and Tom (McCourt) has been very good to me and it's great to get off the mark.

“She flew home, she ran well last week but just didn't get the clearest of runs. She got a lovely run up the inner today and flew home. I'm delighted.”

Eighteen year old jockey Cian Horgan had earlier register a first winner on the Joseph O'Brien trained First Blood in the opening handicap.

Quotes from Gary Carson

1st
17/2
Tote €9.50 €2.50
2nd
2.75L
7/1
€3.20
3rd
0.5L
66/1
€12.30
4th
nk
6/1
bf
0.5L
11/2Fav
About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.