Culloty rides the wave of success

BIG-RACE jockey Jim Culloty, having his first ever ride in the contest, grabbed yesterday’s Powers’ Gold Label Irish Grand National in the dying strides aboard Dessie Hughes’ Timbera and thinks the horse could be an Aintree Grand National contender next year.

For Hughes it was a first in this race as well. He had never previously tasted success in Ireland's premier National Hunt race, either as a trainer or a rider.

But Culloty is on an extraordinary high and the Killarney-man can do little wrong. Just a couple of weeks ago he guided Best Mate to a cantering victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.