Patrick Shanahan grabs first victory of his career as a trainer with Prince Jock at Wexford on 19th May, 2012
Prince Jock, son of Repent, out of mare My Special K´S, notched an impressive win in the Campile Apprentice Handicap at Wexford on 19th May, 2012, where he was rider, R P Whelan’s mount.
The five-year-old gelding did justice to his status as race favourite, as he entered with a 4-1 chance and broke through the wire first, 2 length before the Joseph G. Murphy trained, Rock On Ciara.
Rock On Ciara had to share the second place spot with, Jouster, as the two finished in dead-heat, whereas the third place was secured by Sadler's Mark, who fell a head behind the two runners-up’s.
Trainer and former jockey John Patrick Shanahan was particularly delighted with this victory, as it was his first win as a trainer.
Prince Jock was trained by Tracey Collins until 22nd March, 2012, after which Shanahan took over.
The trainer mounted the runner for a few times in his career, and led him to three of his four victories.
Shanahan led the bay gelding to victory in August, 2010, as the duo competed in the Easy Clean Ltd. Handicap at Killarney; they worked extremely well together and finished a head before, Indus Valley.
This was Prince Jock’s first victory since then, satisfied with the way he performed, the trainer expressed his delight in these words:
"It's great to get that monkey off my back. He likes a break between his races and is best when fresh. He'll probably run again in three to four weeks. I have 17 in training at the moment, but the gate is always open for new horses!"
Wexford also proved to be a lucky venue for trainer Dermot Weld as his trainee, Voleuse De Coeurs accomplished a big victory in the Barrow Rated Race.
Sent as the favourite, the daughter of Teofilo, out of mare Vadorga, had a clear run and finished 1 ¼ lengths before, Zabana.
The winning jockey, P J Smullen, commented on her performance from last season and told the press that: "Voleuse De Coeur's last run was very good and I thought if she handled the ease in the ground she'd win."
Tags: