AN UNKNOWN 16-year-old jockey won his first ever race by 27 lengths in a devastating performance that left punters in awe.
Fred Daly was not for catching on the Sir Mark Prescott-trained Golden Shot.
Not a bad first ride!
What a start to life as a jockey for 16-year-old Fred Daly, who kicks off his riding career in style aboard Sir Mark Prescott's Golden Shot at @FfosLasRC… pic.twitter.com/P4uV51lrsq
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 8, 2023
The four-year-old gelding made a mockery of his rivals in the 1m6f amateur jockeys’ handicap race at Ffos Las in Wales under an expert ride.
Sent off the 8-11 fav, Golden Shot, who was winning for the fourth time in six races since September last year, bolted up the straight to claim the £4,867 first-place prize.
Daly, whose dad Declan was at the track cheering him home, looked every inch the seasoned pro.
He could have got into a duel when headed by Thefastnthecurious around the home turn.
But Daly bided his time and judged his finish to perfection, ultimately leaving Thefastnthecurious some 44-and-a-half lengths behind.
The teenage jockey said afterwards ‘I had no idea how far clear I was!’ while his proud dad said: “I’m very pleased.
“It was a very cool ride, I’m over the moon.
“I must thank Sir Mark, he’s done a great job of looking after Fred.”
One punter noted the horse was available at 4-5 and that backing him had been like ‘buying money’.
Another commenting on Daly’s skill in the saddle wrote: “Brilliant! Love Golden Shot and what a great way to start your race-riding career.”
Asked where we could see his boy racing next, Declan said: “We’ll have to wait and see.”
"It's overwhelming, really!"@zoeybirdracing chats to Fred Daly and dad Declan after the 16-year-old recorded his first career winner at @FfosLasRC
pic.twitter.com/OKsDO5sVmB
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 8, 2023
