a day ago
Irish teen jockey gives brilliant interview after winning his first ever race
As debuts go, they don't get much better than this... Jamie Martin tasted victory with his first ever ride at Tramore on Friday.
The 17-year-old partnered Alaskan View (10/1) to success in the Majestic Hotel INH Flat Race, finishing ahead of the Patrick Mullins-ridden odds-on favourite Highland Realm (2/5).
Alaskan View is trained by the jockey's grandfather, owned by his brother and was led up by his father Mick.
"I'm just so grateful to have the likes of my father and grandfather to give me the opportunity," the teenager told Racing TV. "My brother didn't want me on the horse, but my Dad had his way. I thought I was dreaming for a second.
"I was talking to a few of the lads inside and I thought I was going to be making it, but there was a bit of competition for the lead and there was three horses upsides for nearly whole first round. I was tanking along so I let Alaskan View off in front. She travelled along beautifully and heard Patrick (Mullins) coming near, but lengthened out unreal.
"I thought I was going to fall off near the end but I made it! I looked across and said to Patrick 'Did I win or not?"
He added, smiling: "The plan was if I won this I'd retire with a 100 per cent strike rate but I think I'll have to keep on going!"
Martin is still at school and is going into fifth year. Alaskan View defeated Highland Realm by half a length.
