Lungo Appoints Mercer

Len Lungo has appointed Keith Mercer to succeed Tony Dobbin as his stable jockey.

With Dobbin having other commitments ? particularly to Nicky Richards ? the Carrutherstown trainer felt the time was right for a change and has handpicked Mercer.

The 24-year-old, runner-up to William Kennedy in the conditional jockeys' championship last season, has been attached to Ferdy Murphy and will continue to ride for the West Witton trainer when available.

Mercer said: 'I'm absolutely delighted to get an opportunity like this and am very much looking forward to it.

'At the moment I'm going to ride out four days for Len and two days for Ferdy, and Ferdy says I'm still going to ride a few for him so it's looking good.

'It's very exciting and I'm really looking forward to this chance.'

Lungo added: 'We've enjoyed some great success over the last few seasons with Tony Dobbin.

'We are friends but due to his commitments at Nicky Richards we were in a position we didn't know when, and if, he, would available until the last minute on several occasions last season.

'We wanted our own stable jockey and Keith will be riding out here a minimum of four days a week.

'He's getting to know all the horses and doing lots of schooling. We are delighted to have him in the team.

'He has already enjoyed great success winning the Scottish Grand National on Joes Edge and a Grade One hurdle at the Punchestown Festival on Carlys Quest ? both for Ferdy.

'He's got a great deal of experience, he's good over fences and what I like about watching Keith is that he sees a stride from a long way out, which the good riders do.

'He's a dedicated young man and he wants to make it a right go. If he has the luck to remain free of injuries he'll go all the way to the top.'

? PA Sport