Alaskan View gives Jamie Martin dream start to riding career Jamie Martin enjoyed the perfect start to his riding career as Alaskan View kept on strongly inside the final furlong to provide the young jockey with a winner at the first time of asking in the Majestic Hotel INH Flat Race at Tramore. Trained by the jockeys grandfather, Willie Martin, the winner was led up my his father, former jockey and now assistant trainer, Mick Martin. Prominent throughout, the 10/1 chance led over half-a-mile out but was headed by Patrick Mullins on market leader Highland Realm with less than two-furlongs to race. Rallying to regain the lead inside the final furlong, Alaskan View stayed on strongly to give the Martin family an evening they will never forget. Pat Breen, who was having only his second ride in 23 years, finished third on Lord Lackendarra, a gelding he also trained. His daughter Sarah Breen finished sixth on Goodmancon. Jamie Martin said: "I'm just so grateful to have the likes of my father and grandfather to give me the opportunity. My brother didn't want me on the horse, but my Dad had his way. I thought I was dreaming for a second. My brother wanted Barry Stone, he didn't think I'd be able. Barry rode her a few times and is a brilliant jockey. It all worked out in the end. "I was talking to a few of the lads inside and I thought I was going to be making it, but there was a bit of competition for the lead and there was three horses upsides for nearly whole first round. I was tanking along so I let her off in front. She travelled along beautifully and heard Patrick (Mullins) coming near, but lengthened out unreal. I thought I was going to fall off near the end but I made it! I thought I was dreaming, I looked across and said to Patrick 'Did I win or not?' "I'm 17 and I'm going into fifth year in a few weeks. The plan was if I won this I'd retire with a 100% strike rate but I think I'll have to keep on going." Mick Martin, father of the winning rider and son of the winning trainer, added: "It's great, I can't believe it. She's a nice mare and any bad runs have been my fault. I made a few mistakes with her, but she has always shown plenty, she is Flat bred. She is bred to sprint but she stays and it's a dream come true. "The family are all at it now and poor Conor (son) got injured last year. "My father isn't here today, I'd say he is dancing. He was 80 last week and I'm sure he is watching in. "Jamie has done a bit in Joseph O'Brien's this year which has brought him on a lot. JJ Slevin got him in down there and it's great." Additional reporting by Donal Murphy.
