Conor Clarke and Ray Hackett with Rock On Seamie© Photo Healy Racing
Conor Clarke looks a young rider to note after partnering his second winner as Rock On Seamie belied odds of 16/1 to take division two of the GAIN The Advantage Series Handicap at Ballinrobe.
The Toomevara teenager was only apprenticed to nearby trainer Ray Hackett earlier this season and won on his second ride, the Hackett-trained Lord Mczie at Navan last month. Final Orders and Alohamora ensured a strong pace in this near 1m5f event and the latter still held a four lengths lead approaching the final bend.
However, she was reeled in by Rock On Seamie inside the final 100 yards scoring by a length a length and three quarters. We’ll Go Again kept on from well off the pace to finish the same distance further away in third.
Hackett, who was leading up the winner, said: "He’d been working with the Limerick horse (Sequoiaspirit, Friday’s winner) so it’s no great surprise to us.
“We actually split the two of them up in case they’d end up in the same race in Limerick and it’s worked out well.
“That’s Conor’s 2nd winner and it’s a great start to his career. He’s a great chap and his 10Ib claim is invaluable.”
(AM & EM)
