It was a memorable day for three young riders at Castletown-Geoghegan on Sunday as Adam Feeney, Michael O’Sullivan and Ben Love all rode their first winners between the flags.
18-year-old Adam Feeney was the first of the trio to get a winner on the board as he steered the Garrett Ahern-trained Sweet Destination to victory in the five-and-six-year-old mares’ maiden. Feeney, who is based with Cork handler Garrett was having his seventh ride to date and is a son of point-to-point rider Tom Feeney.
Michael O’Sullivan was the next novice rider to enjoy his first winner in the saddle as his mount, A Decent Excuse ran out the three length winner of the Open. Michael is also a nephew of the winning handler/owner, Eugene O’Sullivan. The 17 year-old Cork native is currently in sixth year at school and rides out for his uncle at the weekends having previously spent his summer holidays working for Joseph O’Brien and Enda Bolger.
The final race on the card was the six-year-old and upwards maiden for novice riders which went the way of Cee Jay McBride under 18 year-old Ben Love. From Dunshaughlin, Love had three rides last season and is currently studying for his Leaving Certificate while also riding out part-time for handler Gavin Cromwell.
