Gale blows in and storms the Ladies Derby Capable Elizabeth Gale registered a winner on her first ride in Ireland today, as the apprentice jockey landed the Curragh’s Sherry FitzGerald Country Homes Ladies Derby on the Joseph O’Brien-trained Masoun (3/1f). Gale, a step-daughter of ex-jump jockey Brian Harding, had previously notched 11 national hunt wins before recently switching to the Flat, and today gave a polished display to manoeuvre Masoun between horses and to an eventual 1.75-lengths success over Bear Profit. O’Brien said “Elizabeth gave him a lovely ride and he’s a progressive horse. He quickened up well and I think he enjoyed having the bit of cover and coming through horses.” The dual Melbourne Cup-winner added “he is owned by an Australian-based syndicate (Go Racing Limited) and some have come from New Zealand to see him running today. “We have five or six two-year-olds each year who race here for a couple of years, and then usually head on to (trainer) Chris Waller in Australia. They have supported me very well and they’ve had a number of winners in the last few weeks. “We were trying to get Masoun into a Royal Ascot handicap but unfortunately he just missed out, but he’s come and won here today so we’re delighted. He will be an exciting horse for the future here and also in the other hemisphere.” Quotes from Gary Carson
