NOBODY had more supporters at Tramore last Friday night than Rosie Mae O’Grady (pictured right).

Daughter of trainer Edward, Rosie Mae was having her first racecourse ride and did extremely well to finish third, surrounded by jockeys who had ridden plenty of winners previously.

“I absolutely loved it,” she told us this week. “It wasn’t what I was expecting, when we jumped off, and again when I had to give every last bit of energy pushing at the end. My legs started to go when we turned into the straight but I was okay.”

Carrying the colours of her much missed mum Maria, Rosie Mae didn’t expect the welcoming party on her return to the ring. “I didn’t know they were all coming! I was very nervous beforehand and kept away from everyone.”

Rosie Mae has just completed fifth year in the Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles and is hoping for a few more chances in the saddle this summer.

“I only got my licence two months ago and I’ve been riding work at home and taken part in some schooling races. The lads in the yard gave me advice, especially Trevor Ryan. I’m hoping to ride Royal Moon at Wexford in a few weeks.” Rosie Mae is also looking forward to seeing another side of the industry when she works at Goffs next week.