Queally rides first Irish hurdle winner at Tramore

Tom Queally, best known for his association with the great Frankel, enjoyed a special family moment when partnering Owenacurra Lass to land the Knockenduff Stud Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.

The seven-year-old mare, trained nearby at Dungarvan by his father Declan, was provided the 35-year-old classic winning rider with his first jumps winner in Ireland.

The 9/1 chance asserted approaching the final flight and kept on well to hold the strong finishing Tune The Chello by a length and three quarters.

Queally said, “I did loads of this when I was younger. I rode a winner for my father on the Flat at Tralee about 17 years ago and it’s nice to get a winner here.

“We discussed it beforehand and felt it was best to angle out for the better ground. She’s a lovely mare and tries hard.

“I won the hurdle race for Flat jockeys twice at Lingfield and do a bit of schooling for Gary Moore but I certainly wouldn’t say I’m the next Martin Molony!”

Queally’s brother Declan, assistant trainer to their father, said: “I told Tom to get his National Hunt licence and we’d give him a couple of spins over Christmas.

“He looked alright there and hasn’t lost it yet!”