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 on Friday.
The winner 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 and it was the winning of the race.”
“He is a fine young fella and his mum and dad can be very proud of him. He has spent the last month in David O’Meara’s in England but even in that time he looks to have grown again.”
Hogan himself added “Dad (Ray) rode him work 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.”
