Just a week after getting his jockey licence, and in only his second race, Paddy Hanlon rode his first ever winner at Worcester on Wednesday.
The 16-year-old - an experienced pony race rider - was on board 4/6 favourite Chef D'Etat as he won the two-mile Richard Newland Racing NH Flat Race.
Paddy's father John, better known as Shark, was the trainer.
"It's only his second ride," Shark, who is based in Carlow, told Sky Sports Racing in the parade ring before the off.
"He rode on the flat in Leopardstown the other evening. He only has his license seven days. I think I'm more nervous than he is."
Paddy Hanlon rides first winner at Worcester
Second rider under rules ✅
Winner @WorcesterRaces ✅A special story for 'Baby Shark' as Paddy Hanlon, 16, wins for Dad @jhanlonracing pic.twitter.com/YfOZsCML45
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) June 28, 2023
American jockey Taylor Kingsley was due to ride Chef d'Etat but she had travel issues.
"It was amazing," said Paddy.
"He travelled beautifully for me, and when we got a gap up the rail he got going. I feel so sorry for Taylor, she was supposed to ride [but couldn't get here].
27 July 2022; President of Ireland Michael D Higgins with winning groom Paddy Hanlon, son of Carlow-based trainer John Hanlon, and Hewick after the Tote Galway Plate during day three of the Galway Races Summer Festival at Ballybrit Racecourse in Galway. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
"He travelled beautiful for me, when we turned in I knew we didn't need to go quick straight away. He kept at it to the line to be fair and he's a nice horse.
"No offence to pony racing but this beats anything in pony racing. I'd just like to thank everyone involved for letting me ride."
“He kept dancing to the line to be fair to him, he’s a nice horse”
Have a look at what @PaddyHanlon5 had to say after his win with Chef D’Etat
🎥 @SkySportsRacing @MCYeeehaaa pic.twitter.com/gImdNStJk2
— Shark Hanlon Racing (@jhanlonracing) June 29, 2023
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