Aidan Fitzgerald, who celebrated his 21st birthday only two weeks ago, recorded his first success over hurdles when making all aboard the James Bowe-owned and trained Limestone Lad in the first division of the Cahir Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel yesterday.
Fitzgerald, who hails from Askeaton and has looked after Dorans Pride "since he won his maiden hurdle in Listowel", has ende his long association with Patrickswell handler Michael Hourigan. "I have travelled everywhere with Dorans Pride over the last five years and have enjoyed my time with Michael but it's time for a change," said the Limerick rider who starts a new job next Monday with Borris, Co Carlow trainer Sean Treacy.
Aidan O'Brien and Charlie Swan combined to complete a double with Blasket Sound (which justified favouritism when shrugging off Make A Move with a bold jump over the last in the Roscrea Beginners Chase) and Portulana who was giving the jockey his 999th career win over jumps when staying on well to take the second division of the Cahir Maiden Hurdle.
Richard Guest last night handed in his licence after being referred to the stewards of the Jockey Club for breaking the non-triers' rule at Perth yesterday. The angry rider claimed he was the victim of a witchhunt after being found in breach of the rules for his riding of This Is My Life in the Bowlers Lounge Selling Hurdle.
The horse, who finished 10th, beaten 64 lengths, is suspended from racing for 30 days and trainer Kate Milligan was fined £1,000. An incensed Guest walked over to the stewards' room and threw his riding licence through the door after being informed of the ban.
"I've retired and I'm not going to London. If I can't ride horses in the way I've been taught there's no point in carrying on," he said.
Guest was ordered to go to Portman Square because it was his third under offence under the non-triers' rules in the last 12 months.
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