Camden Village and Jack Wildman pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Jack Wildman recorded his first win over flights, as he guided Camden Village to victory in the opener at Cork on Easter Monday, the Racing Home For Easter Maiden Hurdle.
From Salisbury in the UK, Wildman registered his initial success in the saddle when partnering Kuraka to victory on the level at Leopardstown in May.
Trained by Gordon Elliott, who Wildman is based with, Camden Village was seventh of twenty-four on debut at Fairyhouse last month, and was sent off a 14/1 chance this afternoon in the colours of owner Alan Harte. Where Eagles Dare (backed from 7s into 9/2 joint-favouritism on-course) led from three out, but he couldn't hold off the challenge of the winner on the run-in, with half a length separating them at the line. Lessofdnegativity (33/1) ran a fine race to take third, another length and a quarter back, while the other joint-favourite, Southern Nights was fifth.
Wildman said afterwards: "He ran well the last day and beat Lord Schnitzel (today's rival) on soft ground and I think the step up in trip and the drying ground helped him a lot. I'd say there is still more improvement to come. He is a nice horse and hopefully will go places.
"That's my first winner over jumps and I had one winner on the flat for Gordon at Leopardstown. It's nice to get it out of the way and hopefully will keep kicking now.
"I'm 17, from Salisbury and am based with Gordon (Elliott) full-time."
STEWARDS REPORTS
J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Big Tommy trained by Miss Elizabeth Doyle, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped poorly, never travelled and was pulled up.
The Stewards interviewed Mr N. McParlan, rider of Connard concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that Mr N. McParlan was in breach of R10(3)(h) by using his whip with his arm above shoulder height. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards cautioned Mr N. McParlan.
C.D. Maxwell, rider of Honourbeforeglory trained by Eoin Griffin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a respiratory noise and was pulled up.
P.J. Vaughan, rider of Hourie trained by John W. Nicholson, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having felt that he had gone lame but appeared to be sound when trotting soon after.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
