Beggy is back

Jockey Padraig Beggy returns to Irish racing at Cork today after a four-year break. Beggy was a leading apprentice with the Kevin Prendergast yard almost 10 years ago.

He won the Derrinstown Stud Apprentice Series in 2008 and was stable jockey to David Myerscough. In 2013 he moved to Australia and his first ride there was a winner. However when he tested positive for a prohibited substance 12 months ago he decided to move back to Ireland and has been riding out at Ballydoyle since January. Ruaidhri Tierney is his agent.

“I rode winners for Bart Cummings and Chris Waller in Australia,” said Beggy yesterday, “but I always wanted to come home. I’ve been keeping fit and my licence came through last week. I’m really looking forward to going racing again.”

Townend appeal

Paul Townend has lodged an appeal against the 10-day dangerous riding ban he received at Tramore last Thursday week, October 8th.

HK contracts

Ryan Moore, Vincent Cheminaud and Gregory Benoist have signed contracts to ride in Hong Kong this winter. Moore will ride there for a six-week period commencing from January 17th, the date when Cheminaud and Benoist will end their stint having started on November 14th.

September winner

The September winners of Connolly’s Red Mills/The Irish Field Breeder of the Month Award are Maurice Moloney, Harry King, David O’Loughlin and Dermot Ryan, trading as Paget Bloodstock, for Irish St Leger winner Order Of St George.