Hannon registers first training success Retired point-to-point rider James Hannon registered his first win as a trainer today, as Bigbraveboy (12/1) landed Tramore’s Ladies Cove Handicap Chase for owner Ray Fitzgerald and jockey J.J. Slevin. Racing prominently, Bigbraveboy led at the second-last and finished well to score by three lengths from Toor Moon . Hannon, whose family stood Cloudings, Arctic Cosmos and Witness Box at their Old Road Stud, reported “I only got the track licence in September and I got it really for Bigbraveboy, and one other horse. I just said we'd have a bit of sport. “After a few runs in point-to-points, the monetary value might be gone in a horse but it doesn't mean you can't have plenty of sport with them afterwards. Going handicap chasing is a good second outlet. “I won a point-to-point with him and he is a grand horse who just needs soft, soft ground. I thought we mightn't have conditions for him but he'll just gallop and stay. He is a brilliant leaper and JJ said that he is some spin. "Ray Fitzgerald is a good supporter of mine and we are good friends. He has a few horses with me for point-to-points and that's my main game.” Hannon, joint-winner of the 2022 southern point-to-point jockeys’ championship, added "I'm based in Tallow, rode in point-to-points for 25 seasons and then broke my neck. That was on the 10th of December two years ago and it finished my riding. I tried to come back but it was serious enough, and I was only a fraction off being paralysed. I was trying to get back and my wife wasn't too pushed on the idea! “We have two small boys, have a livery yard, a training yard, a lot of broodmares and a lot of horses. I used to always break and pre-train, so then I decided to get a few point-to-pointers. I'm at the game a long time and it was a natural progression to go into training. "We love coming to Tramore. My wife is from Kilmacthomas and we'd often bring the small lads here, but unfortunately they couldn't come today." Quotes from Donal Murphy
