McGettigan wins the Apprentice Derby on Pillar Of Hope The Paul Sweeny owned and trained Pillar Of Hope had to overcome trouble in running before landing the Fitzpatrick's Mercedes-Benz Apprentice Derby Handicap at the Curragh. Fellow Donegal man Patrick McGettigan rode an ice cool waiting race on the 14/1 chance, dropping him right out before coming with a well-timed run from off the pace. Making stylish progress up the inside rail over a furlong out, the seven-year-old had to wait for a gap, before McGettigan switched him out to challenge over 150 yards out. To his credit, the gelding found plenty once asked to go and win his race, quickening up smartly to score by one-and-a-half lengths. “It was nice to get it on Derby weekend. I had a winner on Guineas weekend and now with Pillar Of Hope on Derby weekend, I’m lost for words,” said Sweeney. “You couldn’t beat it, you couldn’t make it up. “I bought this horse in Tattersalls two years ago. He ran in Leopardstown last time and I thought the trip was just a wee bit short for him, he was finishing out the race well. “We picked this race out, a lot of people were telling me he didn’t stay but he did today anyway. “It was class. Young Patrick is from Donegal and he used to ride out for me in Letterkenny. It’s a Donegal experience! “I do a bit of farming and I’m into retail as well. I just love horses and I’ve always had horses. “I was into pony racing. We conquered that so we’re conquering this one now! “I’ve been into horses for about 10 years and claiming horses. Touch wood I seem to be very lucky with them at the minute. I’m getting a good run with them. “Ransom ran earlier on and I think the race just came too quick after last Thursday. He’s one to watch, maybe for Galway. That’s two for Galway now, touch wood. “We’ve Solomon out tomorrow in the Ladies Derby. I don’t know much about him but he’s a nice horse. If I won that it would be the icing on the cake. “We’re staying down tonight, we have stables in the Curragh but we have to get somewhere to stay tonight yet. We’ll worry about that tonight. “We have the expenses now and hopefully all the ones in Letterkenny had him backed. “I have 11 horses altogether and three in with Dick (Donohoe). I think it’s enough. The pastime is becoming the full-time.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
