Josh Williamson savours 'best feeling in the world' after emulating famous dad
MUDDY MARVEL: Josh Williamson with his dad Norman after Housemartin won the Kilclooney Woods Qualified Riders’ Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel. Picture: Healy Racing
The rain-sodden conditions on Thursday afternoon in Powerstown Park could do nothing to dampen the spirits of young jockey Josh Williamson as he recorded his first winner on what was his first ride over hurdles.
Son of Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle-winning rider Norman, who also rode the first of his 1,268 winners here at Clonmel in 1987, and riding for Edward O’Grady, with whom his father had such a successful association, the 17-year-old was aboard Housemartin in the Kilclooney Woods Qualified Riders’ Handicap Hurdle and rode him with the confidence of one with far greater experience than he can count upon.
Natural Breeze set out to make all the running and went close to doing so, but Williamson was ultra-confident aboard the eventual winner. Appreciating that conditions were tough, he held on to his mount as long as possible but asked him to go on shortly after jumping the second-last.
Natural Breeze dug in but Williamson had all bases covered and kept his mount up to his work to secure the victory.
“It’s the best feeling in the world,” said an elated Williamson. “I had my first ride on St Stephen’s Day, and I’ve been waiting for this day ever since.
"It’s a brilliant feeling and, of course, my father, Norman, was with Edward for years, so to get the first one for him is extra-special.
"I got bitten by the bug on my first ride. That’s my first ride over hurdles and I had my first ride in a point-to-point last Sunday, so it’s great.
"I’ve just turned 17 and am in fifth year in school. I’d like to make a go of this. I just got my jumps licence so hopefully I’ll get some point-to-point rides and see how we go after that.
"I’m with Gordon Elliott every morning I can. I’m in school at the moment but last year, for transition year, I was there all year, pretty much.”
The winning trainer was equally thrilled to be an important part of what he hopes could be the start of another successful career.
“It is very special,” said O’Grady. “We’re delighted. Norman rode his first winner on this track, and this was Josh’s first ride over hurdles, so I'm thrilled and also thankful to my other half (Kay, owner) for putting him up. Let's hope this is the first of many for him.”
Croke Park, a Dromahane point-to-point winner who subsequently cost £400,000 at the Goffs UK Aintree Sales in April of 2022, got off the mark over timber by taking the opener, the Crottys Lake Maiden Hurdle.
Well beaten behind the well-regarded You Oughta Know on his bumper debut, in May at Kilbeggan, he proved a different proposition this time. An impressive physical specimen, he made all the running and, bar jumping to his left on occasion, it was quite plain sailing for the five-year-old which is trained by Gordon Elliott.
Winning rider Jack Kennedy was suitably impressed: “That was very good. He jumped great, loved that ground but you'll probably see the best of him over a trip and, in time, over a fence.
“He is a massive horse and I’d say Kilbeggan (in May) wouldn’t have suited him so probably didn’t run a bad race considering that. He was always going to be a winter-type on galloping tracks.
“He jumped to his left at two hurdles in the home straight the first time around, but the stable yard is outside him and he might have been looking at that but straightened out afterwards. I’m delighted with him.”
Out of luck with favourite The Electrical Kid in the first race, Willie Mullins gained quick compensation when Mount Sinai made a winning debut over obstacles in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares’ Maiden Hurdle.
The five-year-old half-sister to Seabank Bistro was beaten in both outings in bumpers and again showed keenness, but Patrick Mullins was able to keep a lid on her enthusiasm for most of the trip. Bar one mistake, she showed great scope in her jumping and although she was headed in the straight, she had plenty left when Mullins asked her to win her race.
“She was running keen in her bumpers and jumped very well today which improved her and also it helped her to relax,” said the winning rider. “I actually didn’t think she’d handle this ground, but she loved it.
“It was a nice surprise to win. We don't have any fancy targets, but she has the scope to jump fences as well, and we'll try to pick up some black-type somewhere.”
Castle Field Boy, one of two runners in the Grahan Norris Memorial Handicap Hurdle for trainer Patrick Foley, benefited from a fine ride by Michael O’Sullivan. Quietly ridden and taking the shortest route into the home straight, he was challenged and possibly just headed by Whatsavailable but battled on bravely to go clear close home.
Limerick Lace made an impressive return to action in the Mahon Falls Mares’ Chase. Confidently ridden by Mark Walsh, Gavin Cromwell’s mare jumped to the front two out and readily pulled clear of Heia. Having reached a mark of 141 last season, she won’t have to improve too much to be competitive in the top mares’ chases this season.
Cromwell later completed a 15-1 double when Midnight It Is, ridden by Keith Donoghue, won the finale, the Clonmel Oil Chase Day November 9 Handicap in which the two fences in the straight were omitted due to the low sun.
Only three completed the course in the Coumshingaun Handicap Chase and the Sam Curling-trained Bonnie Kellie could be called the winner from a long way out. The mare was slow at the second-last but regained enough momentum to go clear for an easy victory.
