Michael Graham
Red-letter day for Jackson on Tuckmill
Tuckmill, noseband, and Robbie Jackson hold on from Cramers Valley
© Photo Healy Racing
Tuckmill clearly enjoys Naas as he brought up his second victory at this venue and gave Robbie Jackson his first winner under rules.
The 9/1 shot contested the first division of the qualified riders' handicap hurdle and stayed on well for Jackson in the lead on the run-in. The pair had to withstand a charging Cramers Valley (50/1) who really found his stride to close to within a neck at the line. Junot (16/1) and Outdoor Mozzy (10/1) finished adrift of this battle in third and fourth respectively.
Jackson, (22), said: “About six or seven years ago I rode in a pony club exhibition race here and I dead-heated in it. I didn’t think it would take as long to get a winner on the track but it’s lovely to get it done.
“I could hear the other horse coming to me and I was just hoping he’d stay to the line. He was a willing partner.
“I have four winners point-to-pointing and was based in Wexford up to this year. I decided to base myself with Peter to try and get a winner on the track. I struggle with my weight a bit and don’t know how long I will have at this game.
“Thanks to Peter and Ber (Fahey) for putting me up on the horse and the owner Tom (McParland). I’m great friends with a nephew of Tom.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee