Conor hits the big time at The Curragh

Conor hits the big time at The Curragh


Michael Duffy

PROMISING Westport apprentice jockey Conor Hoban made the headlines on Sunday last at The Curragh when excelling on Hujaylea in one of the biggest handicaps of the year, the Irish Cambridgeshire.
17-year-old Hoban, son of Ger and Patricia Hoban of Centra Westport, who still has a 7lb claim, produced the gelding with a well-timed effort to lead inside the final furlong in the €100,000 event.
Michael Halford's charge kept on well in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-quarter success over English raider Kyllachy Star.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday (Monday), Conor hadn’t too much time to discuss Sunday’s events at The Curragh – as he was straight back into the toil that accompanies the life of any apprentice jockey in one of Ireland’s top stable yards. Nonetheless, it was clear that he was delighted with the victory.
“I was tracking the leaders and hit the front inside the Furlong Post to win by a length and three quarters,” he said. “We were hopeful that the race would go well but it was a great feeling to win such a big handicap at the Curragh on a day when a Group One (the Moyglare) was being run. It was certainly the biggest win and best moment of my career so far, and it is hard to describe the exhilaration of crossing that finish line in front of so many top jockeys – and in front of so many people. I’m especially delighted and thankful to ‘The Boss’ (Mick Halford) and to the owner, Mr  Ger O’Leary (brother of Ryanair Chief Executive Michael) for showing their faith in me.
“It was my third win on this horse – it’s a great horse - and at 33/1 it was one that will hopefully get me a few more rides – though I am hoping that I will get to ride this horse again – and, with hard work, hopefully I will be lucky enough to get to partner him in another big handicap.”
Trainer Halford was also full of praise for the young Westport man: “Conor is really starting to ride well and is good value for his 7lb claim. He kept his head when he got boxed in and waited for the gap. With Shane (Foley) out injured now we'll be using him (Conor) more and pushing him on a bit.”