Fogarty opens his pro account

Mikey Fogarty got his professional career off to the best possible start when successful aboard Paudi The Punter in the O’Leary Insurances Handicap Hurdle.

The 23-year-old rode out his claim in the amateur ranks, and was having his first ride here as a professional on the surprise 20/1 winner.

The Ger Lynch-trained gelding led approaching the final flight, and was driven out by Fogarty on the run-in to beat Jack The Hat by a length. Cyras Love was a further half-length back in third, with Valours Minion completing the placings in fourth.

A delighted Fogarty, who incidentally rode the then Conor O’Dwyer-trained Paudi The Punter to win a bumper at Navan a few seasons back, said, “I’ll ride at 10st7lb and at the moment I’m riding out for all the trainers in the south-east. I’m also riding out a few days with Willie Mullins, and with anyone else that will have me!”

Ger Lynch said, “I have to I thank a vet, Declan Gill, who is local to me and has worked wonders with him and turned the horse inside out. His shoulders were all caught up and I also got his teeth done.

“He jumped great today, and Mikey gave him a lovely ride. He’s been lucky for me, and rode Letter of Credit in the past.”

It was also a memorable victory for owner Michael Mee, from Kilrickle in Co. Galway, who was enjoying his first winner after 30 years of trying.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes