Young Calum Hogan (16) of Rathkeale rode his first ever winner when 33/1 shot Bear Claws landed the Apprentice Handicap of €10,000 at Limerick’s Greenmount Park in Patrickswell over the weekend.
The seven-year-old came from well off the pace and the teenage jockey secured a dream run down the inside straight to beat Dinamine by a length and a half. He was returned at whopping odds of 33/1.
Owner/trainer Eric McNamara, Beechmount Stables (Rathkeale) told Irishracing.com: “It is all down to Calum and what a ride he gave him. It was his first time riding at his local track and he gave him a super ride. He was patient, got the opening and stole a few lengths entering the straight to see him secure the win. “He is a fine young fellow and his mum and dad can be very proud of him. He has spent the last month with David O’Meara, horse trainer, York, England, but even in that time he looks to have grown again.
“We’ve been lucky with many local lads from Rathkeale who rode for us and turned out to be fine riders. They’ve done very well for themselves, and this fella is able to ride as well.”
Hogan added “Dad (Ray) rode him on Wednesday morning and said he worked fair well and he was right! I’m delighted and can’t believe it.
“Dad was a jump jockey (based with McNamara and Frank Berry) for ten years but was quite tall and struggled with his weight. I’m thankful for dad and to Eric and it is a class feeling – it is the feeling you are trying to catch for years doing pony racing.
He concluded: “If I could stay light, I’d love to stay on the flat but if not I’ll have no problem going jumping.”