Dingle Derby dream comes good for local trainer Brian

Dingle Derby dream comes good for local trainer Brian

23 August 2017

LOCAL trainer Brian Laird was in dreamland recently when he saddled the winner of the Dingle Derby. 

Brian Laird, from Bright, achieved a long-held ambition when he trained Ida’s Dream to land the blue riband event at the Dingle Festival, Ireland’s biggest horse and pony riding event.

Partnered by 13 year-old Sam Ewing, whose dad Warren owns and trains horses at Templepatrick, Ida’s Dream delivered in style for Laird and his family, who all have an interest in the horse.

Ida’s Dream, named after Brian’s 90 year-old mother, became the first mare to win the famous race in 18 years. 

She was held up in the early stages by Ewing before being unleashed with two furlongs to go.

The partnership now had the wind in their sails and went clear to win in smooth style.

“It really is a dream, come true,” said a delighted Laird, who trains at Ballystrew.

“This was Sam’s first ride in this race and he performed a Dettori-like dismount in the winners’ enclosure, much to the delight of everyone there.

I have been involved in the sport for over 30 years and there have been many lows, but this victory makes up for all that,” he beamed.

“It has always been my ambition to win this race and after Ida’s Dream won the Ladies Dingle Derby 12 months ago, I was convinced she could go on and win the big one.

“I bought the horse from Brian Hamilton in Ballynoe and always hoped that she could would make the grade. I knew Sam had it in the bag when he held the horse up and then produced a superb finish,” he added.

“The mare’s next outing will be in the two mile Glenbeigh Derby on Sunday when Sam will again be on board and I’m expecting another win.”