Young jockey Donagh Meyler has won a place in the Ireland team for the traditional challenge in Australia in August by winning the Martinstown Opportunity Series.
Meyler, originally from Kilmacow, was on board Crossed my Mind to finish sixth in the final on the second day of the Punchestown Festival but had already secured the series.
He’ll be joined in Australia by Champion Conditional Rachel Blackmore.
Meyler, from Kilkenny, spoke with Mike Vince at Punchestown on Wednesday.
“It’s a great series”, says Meyler of the Martinstown Opportunity Series.
“It’s great for the likes of me and a lot of young riders in the weigh in room that can ride good horses on good days, big days like this, in good festivals. It’s a huge confidence booster.”
“We’re going to put on the sunglasses, the factor 50 and head off to Australia, it should be a great experience.”
“I wouldn’t be able to it [compete at this level] unless I had the horses and the trainers, owners looking after me, my agent. It’s easy to sit up and steer them, but without them, I wouldn’t be much.
“It’s getting tougher. I’m down to the 3lb claim but the season has been going well and if I can get as many winners as last year, this year, it’ll be a good year.”