19-year-old Cork jockey Shane Cotter calls Kim Muir Challenge Cup win a 'dream'

PROUD: Ask Brewster and Shane Cotter won the Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap. Pic: Healy Racing

The Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup is far from the most prestigious race at the Cheltenham Festival but this year’s renewal will forever have a place in the heart of Shane Cotter after the 19-year-old Cork jockey partnered 22-1 shot Ask Brewster to a narrow victory over Road To Home.

“It was unbelievable,” the Ballynoe native said. “As a child watching it on the telly you can only dream of being here, of just having a ride, let alone a winner. I’m lost for words; I don’t know what to say. I can’t thank Evan Williams enough. All his team have produced the horse beautifully for today, and he jumped and travelled everywhere.

“I watched a few replays, and any time he was in front he seemed to love it and winged his fences. I jumped him out nice and handy and he ran away nearly to the first, and I knew it was his day then. He was very game when Patrick (Mullins, on Road To Home) came to us.” 

Cotter added: “I’ve dreamt of this since I was seven or eight. I ride out for Denis Murphy six days a week and he’s very good to me. I’ve ridden 20-odd winners in point-to-points and I’ve only one winner on the track at home, so hopefully after this people might start using me. This is my very first ride in England — it’s unbelievable. All my family are here — everyone’s here!”