By Dan Walsh at Bettyville Park
Daryl Jacob has enjoyed a fabulous career as a jockey in England over many seasons, including multiple Grade One races and the 2012 Aintree Grand National success on Neptune Collonges, but he added a new entry on his CV at Wexford today with a winner on his local track on his first ride.
Jacob, (39), grew up near Enniscorthy and said afterwards; “It’s nice to come home. I only live half-an-hour down the road. It’s my first ride here and my first winner so we will take that!”
Jacob won the beginners chase for Antrim trainer Stuart Crawford on Gold Cup Bailey (7/1).
Local jockey Jordan Gainford was also in the winners’ enclosure. He partnered Optional Mix (5/4) to a half length victory in the feature race – the Jim and Kay Whitty Memorial Chase- for Mooncoin trainer Eoin Doyle.
Racing began with the maiden hurdle and a success for the JP McManus, Henry de Bromhead and Rachael Blackmore team with Inthepocket (7/4 fav.) who was chased home by two Wexford entries; Colm Murphy’s Transmission (Sarah Kavanagh) and Paul Nolan’s Joyeux Machin (Sean O’Keeffe).
Sean O’Keeffe from Taghmon partnered Ms Agartha Yeats (50/1) for Meath trainer Hugh Finegan in the maiden hurdle.
The Slaney View Motors Wexford Handicap Hurdle provided a success for Slieverue trainer Eoin Doyle and jockey Gavin Brouder.
Naas amateur rider Tom Harney was successful on Champella and the Ross O’Sullivan stables in the mares hurdle.
Tony Mullins saddled the bumper winner in Ballycashin (11/4 jt-fav) with Jody Townend up.
Racing again at Bettyville Park tomorrow (Bank Holiday Monday). First race at 1pm.
WexfordLocal.com 