Martin Harley was celebrating 1,000 Guineas success yesterday at The Curragh.
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
LETTERKENNY jockey Martin Harley was celebrating yesterday after guiding Samitar to victory in the 1,000 Guineas at The Curragh.
The success aboard the Mick Channon-trained mount was his first success in one of the Classics.
The 2001 Apprentice Jockey of the Year, Harley’s star continues to rise.
Samitar was a well-backed 12/1 chance, but having faltered in a charge for the French 1,000 Guineas wasn’t seen to be in with much of a chance.
However, under a confident and controlled ride from Harley, Samitar was first past the post.
“She’s been working good and a big thanks to the boss and the staff back home,” beamed a delighted Harley.”Two furlongs down she was never going to get beat – she was travelling like the winner all the way.”It’s an amazing feeling.”
Aidan O’Brien’s fancied Homecoming Queen was sent to lead, but weakened at a crucial stage
And with Harley a focussed jockey, Samitar won with a length and a half to spare on O’Brien’s outsider Ishvana.
Winning trainer Mick Channon is well known to the sporting public of Donegal. A former soccer player at the top level in England, he had a very brief stint at Finn Harps in the 1980s.
And yesterday he was full of praise for Harley.
He said: “The owner believed in me by putting Martin on and he got it spot-in – she was ridden with confidence.”Martin’s very confident and is a very hard worker.”
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