Danny wins jockeys’ title

Danny wins jockeys’ title

28 April 2021

DOWNPATRICK native Danny McMenamin crowned a great season on Saturday at Sandown Park when he was presented with his trophy as the 

champion conditional jockey, finishing well clear of his closest rivals.

He becomes the latest Northern Ireland jockey to land the title and he was full of praise for Anthony Dobbin, who was responsible for him joining the stable of Nicky Richards, and to his coach, Richards’ former stable jockey, Cork-born Brian Harding.

With Downpatrick’s next meeting due on May 7, it would be nice if Danny was offered some rides at the venue. Watering is already taking place at the track due to the long dry spell.

There was success for another Downpatrick native on Tuesday of last week at Tipperary when Catriona MacNabb’s Inventor won the Thank You Frontline Workers Handicap. 

The horse was ridden by her husband, Billy Lee — the couple got married in Downpatrick during lockdown. Billy’s sister, Gillian Scott, was the successful trainer.

The winner was picked up for just £1,600 at the sales last autumn.

The passing of English amateur jockey Lorna Brooke has saddened all those that follow horse racing. Back in 2015 Lorna rode at a Down Royal meeting.