Image © Healy Racing
It was a day to remember for Kildare native Tommy Halford as he rode his first career winner aboard the 18/1 outsider Kings Jet in the C&C White Maiden Hunters Steeplechase at Down Royal. Trained by Cormac Farrell, the five-year-old son of Jet Away defied the odds in impressive fashion.
Six runners went to post, with the Stuart Crawford-trained dual points winner Bold Fury being sent off the warm 6/4 favourite after filling the runner-up spot behind Milan Forth at this venue back in March.
Under regular partner Thomas Kileff, Bold Fury, who fenced impeccably throughout, displayed his usual front-running tactics and attempted to make all the running.
The Douglas Taylor-owned Kings Jet bided his time in mid-division until making smooth progress approaching the third last, he headed the long-time leader Bold Fury at the penultimate fence and stayed on well to the line to score by an eight length margin to the Micheal Kenneally-ridden Sampoet (8/1) who just snatched the runner-up spot from Bold Fury close home. The only other finisher was Justlikejessejames, who was a distance back in fourth.
The five-year-old Kings Jet, who made his debut at Ballindenisk back in December, has six point-to-point runs under the belt. His best placing was a third placed effort in an unplaced maiden at Lisronagh back in March having been beaten just six lengths by the winner Passing Diamond.
Rider Tommy Halford, son of recently retired Group 1 and Ascot winning Michael Halford, has been working for Cormac Farrell at his Copper Beech Stables in Kildare since finishing school.
“I ride him out every day at home and he’s very straightforward, he made my job easy today," reported a delighted Halford whose older brother Josh also rides as an amateur.
“I’m in Cormac’s six days a week and I’m loving it there”.
When asked about future riding plans, Halford responded that he wanted to, “Keep riding away for as long as I can.”
“A big thanks to Cormac for the ride and even to dad and mam for bringing me everywhere. Dad taught me most the stuff I know to this day. I’m delighted.”
