Blackmore steps in to ride Thecompanysergeant to win for Hogan

Rachael Blackmore made the most of a rare opportunity to ride for trainer Denis Hogan when getting Thecompanysergeant up close home to win the Latin Quarter Beginners Chase at Galway.

With regular jockey Donagh Meyler on board Merlin Giant Blackmore stepped in for what turned out to be a plum ride on a well backed 6/4f.

The experienced Caesar Rock took them along early under Ricky Doyle, chased by Miss Oreo Market principals Merlin Giant and Thecompanysergeant sat just off them in third and fourth respectively.

As Miss Oreo weakened after the last, Merlin Giant took over in front from Caesar Rock. Blackmore went third on the Hogan gelding, soon moving second to challenge the new leader.

Neck and neck inside the final furlong with the aid of the stands rail to help, Blackmore edged ahead inside the last 100 yards to win by a-length-and-three-quarters.

Winning jockey Rachael Blackmore said: "It was a brilliant one to get. A very lucky spare ride. Donagh Meyler usually rides this horse. He has done most of the work to get it here today. Unfortunately for him, he had to ride for Emmet(Mullins) and the Mee's."

"We went a nice gallop. He had the experience coming into the race. He had some really solid form behind him. I'd say they were surprised he hadn't won his Beginners(chase) until now."

Denis Hogan said: "We had been thinking of going for the Galway Plate so he would have wanted to do that in this grade and had finished fourth in a Grade 1 three runs ago. The Plate was in my head all summer but when he was beaten in Tipperary, I had a chat with Martin (Cooney) and we decided to stay in calmer waters.

"Rachael gave him a super ride and he jumped super. He is now still a novice for the season so we'll exploit that and we're hoping he will mix it in graded company during the winter.

"He has only been out of the money a few times when he had reasons and thanks to Martin for keeping him, as there were times he could have sold him. I'd love to have more like him but what generally happens to stables like ours nowadays is the likes of him are sold and taken by bigger owners and trainers."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.