MANY congratulations to Josh Williamson who, last Thursday week, rode his first racecourse winner, Housemartin, at Clonmel. In 1987, his father Norman partnered his first winner, Jack And Jill, at the same Co Tipperary track. Both grey geldings were trained by Edward O’Grady.

Josh, a member of Ireland’s gold medal-winning team at last year’s European pony eventing championships on Ardeo Fireman, was having his first ride over hurdles when landing the Kilclooney Woods (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle by four and a quarter lengths on the six-year-old Carlotamix gelding.

Recently turned 17, Josh made his racing debut in a mares’ INH Flat Race at Limerick on St Stephen’s Day last year and has since had 32 other rides in bumpers. Following his Thursday success, he had a second ride over hurdles at Sligo on Friday, again in amateur company, while he has also ridden in one point-to-point.

During transition year, Josh worked with Co Meath trainer Gordon Elliott, for whom he rides out as often as he can, although now in Fifth Year at Clongowes. Among those who greeted the mud-spattered jockey back at the winning post last week was his maternal grandmother, Trish Hyde, one of his staunchest supporters during his eventing days.