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Michael Graham

Michael Graham

Clarke savours first victory on The Bog Bank

Thu 4th Jul 2024, 18:31

Alyse Clarke passes the post on The Bog BankAlyse Clarke passes the post on The Bog Bank
© Photo Healy Racing

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."