Clarke savours first victory on The Bog Bank

Alyse Clarke, from Kentstown Co Meath, partnered her first winner aboard The Bog Bank in the apprentice handicap at Bellewstown.

Course specialist The Bog Bank (11/2) led from the stalls, but was headed by Ten To Ten after two furlongs.

She worked her way back to the front a furlong and a half down and kept on well over the road crossing to come in by three lengths. Perfect Curves took the runner-up spot at 16/1 and was a length and a-quarter in front of The World's Astage (11/1).

Clarke said: "It feels amazing!

"I'd like to thank Tom (McCourt, trainer) and the owners for the ride.

"I've wanted to be a jockey since I was seven or eight.

"I've just finished school, so I'm just starting to ride out most mornings."

McCourt added: "She's apprenticed to me and had a few spins in the winter at Dundalk for experience.

"She has just finished her Leaving Cert. I think she is taking a year out (from college) to give it a year with me and see how the racing goes.

"The Bog Bank was down nearly a stone from this time las year, so realistically she had to have a serious chance.

"She (Clarke) did everything perfectly."