HOW does a jockey weighing seven stone, who is no more than five feet tall, steer a horse weighing many multiples of that round a track, let alone win on it?

“I don’t know, you get the knack,” said Jessica Maye, bubbling over after her first win on her mother Sandra’s horse, Lady Boomerang, at Cork last Saturday, prepped by John Geoghegan where Jessica works.

“Yes it’s just the two of us working there, I love it. If we could get a few more horses it would be great.

“I was licensed in December and have had seven rides and can claim off 10lb so a good light weight.

“I’m only starting off but I think people can see that if we get the chance we can ride as well as the lads. My sister Vanessa has shown that girls can do the job and look at the girls over in England.

“I saw Hollie Doyle at Dundalk. I think she’s even smaller than me but she’s very strong – she’s all class.

“My dad John works at Moyglare Stud and I help out there whenever they need a hand. I absolutely loved breaking in the yearlings and it’s really rewarding seeing them grow and prosper.

“The plan is to get as many rides as possible. Lady Boomerang is entered at Cork on August 25th so we’ll give it another go.”

The Maye dynamos are paving the way.

Auction raises cancer research funds

UNFORTUNATELY, the annual Hurling for Cancer hurling match between the all-star teams of Jim Bolger and Davy Russell had to be cancelled this year because of the Covid-19 crisis but an online auction went ahead last Tuesday.

Over €1 million has been raised through the spectacular fundraiser so far and this year’s auction has contributed a further €26,397, for which the Irish Cancer Society is most grateful.

Items such as a Man United jersey signed by Paul McGrath, a stable tour of Moulton Paddocks with Charlie Appleby, a tour of Karlswood Stables and lunch with show jumper Cian O’Connor, a Curragh gallops tour with Kevin O’Ryan and Fran Berry, a tour of Coolmore Stud and lunch with Jane Mangan and an original painting by famed surrealist artist Desmond Morris helped to notch up the total.

A big shout out to all involved.