Fox to turn professional Eighteen year old amateur jockey Derek Fox is set to turn professional in the coming days, having attended an interview with the Turf Club today. Fox, from Sligo and a nephew of trainer Mark McNiff, stated “I’m based with trainer Charles Byrnes in Limerick and have four racecourse and three point to points winners ridden. I started out with my uncle Mark (McNiff), then spent a summer with John Carr before joining Charles nine months ago.” “I get on well with Charles and am hopeful of picking up rides for him and can claim 7lbs off 10st. I also ride Co Down trainer Noel Kelly’s horses and have won twice on Jammia in England.” Fox’s latest Irish winner came on Saoirse’s Sister in a Clonmel bumper on March 10. Winning trainer Charles Byrnes subsequently heaped praise on the rider saying “Saoirse’s Sister got a great ride from a very promising rider.” Thomas Weekes
