KILDARE native Ellen Hennessy is taking the Metro racing scene in Sydney by storm these days with a recent treble followed by two more wins notched up in 10 days. The apprentice flat jockey and RACE graduate was first past the post courtesy of Rumpshaker last weekend at Kembla Grange and a has recent double with Beau Rock and Sifu at Canberra.

Prendergast graduate

Ellen spent a year as an apprentice with Kevin Prendergast before moving down under in 2016. Her Australian race riding began in November 2019 and she rode out her 3kg country claim in 2021 with over 80 wins to date.

A game changer has proved to be her move to Annabel Neasham’s yard in Warwick Farm in Sydney at the end of last year. This brought more opportunities for Metro rides for which she still has a 3kg claim.

Opportunities for race riding, the Australian climate and lifestyle prompted her move there and the former Kildare Pony Club member is on track towards reaching her goal of 100-plus winners soon.

One to watch.

Squawks

Bull’s eye for Louise

A HUGELY popular local winner on Thyestes day at Gowran Park last Thursday was that of Kells Priory in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle who came home at 33/1 for the Bulls Eye Syndicate.

Trained by former eventing Olympian and show horse producer Louise Lyons at the nearby Bluegate Stud, where she is based with her partner Nicky Teehan, Richie Condon, on his comeback from injury, scored a bull’s eye for connections on the winner. Nobody was cheering louder than Louise’s children Nancy, Robin and Nicky George.