MAGHERAFELT-born Nathan Evans is now being sponsored by Newry firm Horse First.

The 18-year-old, who is apprenticed to Mick Easterby in Yorkshire, has ridden 15 winners since first getting off the mark at Thirsk last April, his latest success coming at Chelmsford on February 11th on Bosham who beat the 7/4 favourite Nuno Tristan.

Son of Paul and Claire Evans of the Marsh Kyfe Equestrian Centre, Nathan has been in the saddle as long as he can remember. Starting off as a very talented show jumper, he is well-known on the pony circuit in Ireland, having competed in 128cms to 148cms classes up and down the country. It was during this time that he first came across Horse First. “We always used Horse First products at home,” said the young rider.

It was a natural progression for Nathan to move from the excitement of pony jumping to racing. “I went for a trial at RACE in Kildare, but before I was accepted, I was offered the position of apprentice with Mick Easterby, and I couldn’t turn that down.”

Paddy Hughes managing director of Horse First, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nathan to Team Horse First. He is our first sponsored flat jockey, joining National Hunt jockeys Robbie Power and Paul Carberry.

“Our team here at Horse First feels Nathan has hit the ground running in England, using his experience riding as a junior show jumper to contribute to his success and determination as a flat jockey. We wish Nathan every success in his future.”