King Thistle and Patrick McGettigan© Photo Healy Racing
Young Donegal apprentice Patrick McGettigan enjoyed a day he will never forget as King Thistle provided him with a first career winner when landing the FBD Hotels And Resorts Faithlegg Hotel Nursey Handicap at the Curragh.
Based locally with Johnny Murtagh, McGettigan, who only had his first ride at Cork on 16th August, was getting off the mark on just his fourth attempt.
Tracking the leaders in fifth, as Sweet Chariot and Nyman disputed in front, McGettigan produced King Thistle to lead over a furlong out.
Keeping on strongly inside the final furlong, the 6/1 chance beat late closer Edergole's Angel by one-and-a-quarter-lengths.
“I thought after being second in Down Royal he had a high mark but Patrick's 10lb claim helped. I think he's a good young lad, he's after being on the pony circuit for a while,” said Murtagh.
“He's inexperienced but he has plenty of experience riding.
“Patrick came to me last year before going back to school but he's here full-time now. He signed on just after Dingle and he's been with me full-time for a couple of months .
“I think you'll hear a bit more about him, he's not too bad.
“I think the claim played a big part in it today, he's a small horse and had a big weight.
“We put the blinkers on him because Ben (Coen) thought the last day that he does look around a bit and he needs to concentrate.
“I thought seven furlongs at the Curragh today would suit him well.
“I'm delighted for the owner Noel (Hartley) who has backed us for the last couple of years. It's been hard to win races for him. To win a race at the Curragh means a lot and he's absolutely delighted.”
McGettigan said:- "That was unbelievable, especially the fact that it came at the Curragh. It was only my fourth ride, as well.
"I was travelling so well that I had to pull out a bit earlier than I wanted to. The horse in front was coming back at me, so I had to pull out and send him from home.
"The feeling passing the line was even better than I ever dreamed it would be.
"I'm 16 and from Letterkenny."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
