Harnett secures apprentice title in style on Nation Paddy Harnett put the apprentice title in the bag with an opening race win at the Curragh this afternoon, aboard the Aidan O’Brien-trained Choctaw Nation. The Sea The Stars colt went to post a 4/9 shot in the Irish EBF Maiden having been runner-up on his debut at Navan a few weeks ago. He was prominent throughout in the mile contest and led the field approaching halfway. Harnett asked his mount to stretch passing the two pole and the hotpot asserted in the final furlong, easing down late on for a three-and-a-quarter length win. The victory put Harnett three ahead of nearest rival Sam Coen, who has two rides on today’s card. Harnett said of the winner:- “He’s a very very nice horse. His greatest attribute is that he’s so straightforward. He hacked down to the start in front no problem. “He had a lovely introduction in Navan and the lads came away feeling that he would improve a tonne. “Today he hacked down lovely. He sat in the stalls, he was in there ages but he was so quiet. He popped out lovely and he was happy to go upsides in front. “It didn’t bother him if he was on his own or not. “I got down to the three going easy and I gave him a click down to the two and he just took off. “He’s something that I’ve never ridden before. He gave me some feel.” On landing the apprentice title he added:- “It’s crazy and to have everyone from home up here as well is brilliant.”
