Woods has dream start

Kielan Woods (17) from Athlone, enjoyed a dream start to his career as a jockey when he caused a 33/1 shock on Heroes Square for Caroline Hutchinson in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

This was an assured display from the 29-time winning pony race rider, and he eventually got to the front on the nine-year-old before the last. The son of Old Vic, with one previous career win to his name, stayed on well from that point to repel Monaco Springs by a length.

Hutchinson was understandably delighted afterwards and she said: "I think Kielan has a future although there is a long way to go. He is a good chap and gave him a lovely ride. He has been schooling over fences and everything which is great from a seventeen-year-old. He came to me from the apprentice centre."