Sarah Kavanagh after victory on Demophon© Photo Healy Racing
It was a red-letter day for jockey Sarah Kavanagh who rode her first winner in the conditional ranks on board 33/1 shot Demophon at Down Royal.
She had a willing partner in the six-year-old gelding who came out best in a battle with Kristian Goingwel (4/1) in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
There was half a length between the pair with another seven and a half lengths back to third-placed Klassy Kay at 18/1. Bellaney Gem (9/1) completed the placings in fourth.
Sarah Kavanagh said: "He has travelled away and he has travelled to the line, I couldn't have asked for better.
"Gavin (Cromwell) is very good to give me the ride and Pat (McGuinness) the owner, so I'm thrilled. It is my first winner as a professional.
"It has been a long time coming so it is a good day!
"He just kept finding and finding for me even jumping the last he still found for me. He galloped the whole way to the line and it worked out.
"I'm based with Gavin and in there every morning - he has been very good to me and has been a good tutor.
"I'm 24 and from Wexford. Hopefully it is onwards and upwards."
Gavin Cromwell said about the current situation: "We are hugely worried but they are running a great show here.
"Everybody is respecting the social distancing. Racecourses are big places and they are using all of the areas.
"The jockeys are not allowed in the weigh room only for weighing in and out and getting ready, and then are in a different area sitting maybe five metres apart.
"I'm definitely going to have to lay some staff off (if racing is shut down). Hopefully it doesn't come to that and hopefully we might keep going.
"Racing behind closed doors is working perfectly well. And for people stuck at home in their house it is some little bit of entertainment for them.
And on Kavanagh's winner, he added: "Sarah got this ride on a toss of a coin in the yard with another 7lb claimer!"
