FORMER junior European show jumping champion Kate Derwin had her first ride on the track as an amateur jockey last Friday at Listowel.

The 19-year-old Athlone native, who won all around her as an underage rider in ponies and during her time riding horses, made the switch to racing at the end of last year and works at Joseph O’Brien’s Carriganóg Racing at Owning Hill in Co Kilkenny.

At the Listowel Festival last Friday, she was legged up on her first ride – Bruinneall in the 5pm race for trainer Thomas Cleary, finishing eighth of the 11 runners.

“It was a real thrill,” said Derwin of her first ride on the track. “I was absolutely delighted that Thomas gave me the leg up, he has done so much to get me here so I was delighted to get the call for my first ride.”

Speaking about the differences between riding sport horses and racehorses, Derwin said: “In every way it is very different, in terms of fitness and [building] muscles, everything so different. To be up and going is great and for the transition to go so smooth is fantastic. I’ve been with Joseph [O’Brien] a few months. I am really enjoying it down there, very grateful to be part of the team.”

Cleary said Kate, who won individual gold at the 2019 European Championships with AHG Whiterock Cruise Down as well as gold and silver in ponies in 2017 with Cul Ban Mistress, rode “like a professional”.

Kate’s younger brother Francis Jr has taken over the ride on her show jumping mounts with much success this season.