Sixteen year old apprentice rides first winner

Sixteen year old Alan Persse steered his first winner at Leopardstown today, landing the TheTote.com Irish EBF Fillies Nursery for trainer Joseph O’Brien.

Persse, having just his eighth ride, produced the daughter of Power with her challenge with a daring run along the inside with a furlong to race and in the end the pair stayed on well to beat Its My Turn by two lengths.

Afterwards trainer O’Brien said “Alan is just from down the road (near Pilltown) and is riding out on the hill with us for a good few years - he deserved it and he didn't panic on her.”

Regarding Damselfly he added “she's a tough little filly because she's been busy all year and that's probably by far her best run.

“She ran very well in Naas and the better ground today suited her. She has taken her racing well and Alan gave her a lovely ride. I’m delighted for him and he was good value for the 10lb in fairness.“

Quotes from Gary Carson