Ronayne (84) gets first training success!

Michael Ronayne unleashed Moon Racer to comprehensively win the valuable George Mernagh Memorial Sales Bumper at Fairyhouse – incredibly a first training success for Ronayne at the age of 84.

Moon Racer, an unconsidered 50/1 shot on his debut, was delivered by Mark Lynch in the final furlong and he strode away and put seven and a half lengths on the runner-up Sir Scorpion (10/1). The 4/5 favourite Turcagua was another three and a half lengths away in third.

Ronayne, based in Dungarvan Co Waterford, said: “I ride the horse out every day. I felt this horse would be the type that would appreciate some extra care! I never thought he was as good as that and I can say he’s only three quarters fit, but he’s shown what he can do and I’m absolutely thrilled.

“I had seven horses over the years with Paddy Mullins and they all won. Probably the best one was Moon Duster who won 24 races around 1965.

“Fair play to Willie Mullins, he was one of the first people to come up and congratulate me afterwards.

“I only got Mark at the last minute and he gave him a great ride.”

Jockey Mark Lynch, on board his third track winner, added: “It’s an emotional win as my dad Martin was best friends with George Mernagh.”

Ronayne has held a licence on and off through the years and has trained point-to-point winners before. He only renewed the licence recently.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee