Pony race star Coen rides 1st winner

Many pony racing followers are adamant that Ben Coen has what it takes to make a big impression on the racecourse proper and he partnered his first winner aboard Timia for Keith Clarke, in division two of the Ash Brothers Building Contractors Handicap at Dundalk.

Cape Cross filly Timia was second favourite to follow up her course win from a week earlier, and though fellow fancies Paved With Gold (2nd) and Indian Tomahawk (4th) finished off well, Timia was on top by a length at the finish.

Coen (16) is from Fethard, and he is apprentice to his uncle Andy Slattery. He rode 40 winners in the pony racing sphere.

"She is a good filly and is just coming right. He (handicapper) gave her 11lb but she obviously justified it today with a valuable 10lb coming off," said Clarke.

"Seven is probably her ideal trip but a mile is okay ridden with confidence. That lad has loads of confidence. He's very cool and quiet and you wonder if he will ever wake up! He's a good rider and he did the job right.

"Once she is right and healthy and sound she will come back here. You don't change what's working."

S. Corby, rider of Lady Rosebud trained by Patrick Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount reared up as the stalls opened, losing ground.

(AM & EM)