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Tom Weekes

Tom Weekes

Manning 'still going great' with first winner for Roche

Fri 4th Mar 2022, 19:14

The Virginian and Kevin Manning (head down, red cap)The Virginian and Kevin Manning (head down, red cap)
© Photo Healy Racing

Veteran jockey Kevin Manning rode a winner on his first ride for trainer Padraig Roche at Dundalk today, steering 28/1 outsider The Virginian to a first career success in the Join On Instagram @dundalk_stadium Handicap.

Well beaten in a Down Royal handicap hurdle on his previous start last August, the six year old reappeared under a patient ride from the Derby winner, who moved him from rear to lead inside the final furlong and beat Cursory Exam by half a length.

Manning replaced Roche's father Christy Roche as Jim Bolger's stable jockey in 1993, facts not lost on the young trainer who today reported "Kevin gave him some ride and is still going great. It was great to have him.”

He added "Kevin said he got the trip well there tonight and the tongue-tie obviously helped a bit, not that there was anything wrong with his wind. He was working well with it.

Afterwards Roche reported “he lost his way a bit last year but in fairness to John and Hugh from Oghill (House Stud), they brought him home and did a good job freshening him up.”

Quotes from Michael Graham

1st
28/1
Tote €33.20 €7.10
2nd
0.5L
9/1
€3.40
3rd
0.5L
7/2Fav
€1.70
4th
1L
9/2
About Tom Weekes
A lifelong racing fan, Tom began writing point to point reports in 2002 and has reported for irishracing.com since 2003, when he joined Irish Racing Services - since taken over by the Press Association. Has ridden a point to point winner and won the 2018 Irish Field Naps Table.