CRATLOE’s Mark McDonagh ensured there was a clean sweep for Irish trained horses on Gold Cup day at the Cheltenham Festival.
Mark had his first ever winner at the prestigious horse-racing festival on Friday when Banbridge claimed the closing race for the Clare jockey, trainer Joseph O’Brien and owner Ronnie Bartlett.
Banbridge already had three wins under his belt this season, all in novice company, the point to point graduate was well beaten on his only other handicap outing which took place last Christmas at Leopardstown. The cause was boosted when favourite Langar Dan fell at the second flight but Banbridge powered home at the hill, winning by a length and a half.
A grandson of trainer, Michael McDonagh, Mark has ridden twelve winners so far this season including the feature chase at Down Royal on Thursday. Claiming the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockey’s Handicap Hurdle in Cheltenham is certainly a highpoint for the Cratloe jockey.
Speaking afterwards, Mark savoured the special win, “The standing start suited me as my horse was sharply away. There were loose horses all around me. I was wondering what had happened behind. Joseph told me to hold on to him as long as I could. I wasn’t confident until ten strides after jumping the last. The feeling is unreal. I’ve never witnessed anything like it”.
