Brazilian jockey gets off the mark in Ireland Brazilian-native and jockey Diego Lima registered a first success in Ireland today, landing Naas’ opening Dooley Insurance Irish EBF Fillies Maiden on his fellow countryman Diego Dias’ Brazilian Diva (12s - 22/1). The juvenile daughter of Earthlight was having her fourth start today and having raced prominently throughout, scored eased down by 2.25 lengths from April Mist . Afterwards Lima, who is based with trainer Dias, revealed “I have ridden 270 winners in Brazil and I’ve had a few in Australia as well. “It’s my first winner in Ireland, I’ve only had four rides here and one in England. Things are going well and I’m happy with the place and the people, everyone is good. Everything is good here and I’m so happy.” Regarding Brazilian Diva, he added “I’m very lucky to get my first today and am very happy with the filly, who deserves it. She’s a good work filly at home but the last couple of runs she hasn’t done very well. Today she was happy, comfortable and did the job that she does everyday at home. “She was very green on her first run at Dundalk where she missed the start and got far away from the other horses. She lost her confidence, I think, and just gave up. On her last few runs she has improved with every race and today she showed us how she can go. “I don’t know what the plan is for her, that’s up to Diego and I hope she can go in a better race next time.” Quotes from Gary Carson
