TIMING and luck could be just about everything you need in racing. When Emily Finnegan booked her flights to come home from Australia for three and a half weeks earlier this month, she knew nothing about the Ladies Derby Handicap (4.35) at the Curragh this weekend, but having ridden out at her old neighbour Tony Martin’s base for the last fortnight, she now has a live chance to gain a first ‘home’ winner.

Finnegan never got a ride when she tried to make it in Ireland nearly a decade ago now but she is one of the best female riders around in Australia, having ridden over 300 winners in her Adelaide base.

She rides Draco Pulchrac for Martin in the 10-furlong contest and the five-year-old mare caught the eye in the way she finished out a mile handicap at Leopardstown on her seasonal debut earlier this month.

“I’m heading back to Australia on Thursday but if this horse wins I might just have to extend the trip!” Finnegan told The Irish Field.

“It is just coincidence really that I’m getting to ride in the race. I was kind of sick of the winter weather in Australia and seeing everyone having such a good time at home, so I booked flights and here I am.

“Draco Pulchrac has a nice chance. Obviously there are plenty of horses that could be well handicapped in the race but she is in at the bottom of the weights and the lads are really happy with her.”

Rachael Blackmore, Jody Townend, Maxine O’Sullivan, Siobhan Rutledge and Julie Burke are in the field for this unique contest, having all had significant success in different parts of the world and different codes of the sport.

“It’s a brilliant race to be involved in,” said Finnegan. “Going back to when I was in the RACE Academy, I was sent out on placement to Michael Halford’s and Julie Burke was the apprentice there at the time. I always looked up to her and I could always see how hard it was for her starting off. She was probably the reason I went back to do my exams.

“Rachael came over to Adelaide a few years ago with Donagh Meyler for the Ireland v Australia jockeys challenge and I was able to show them around. Obviously she is a fantastic sports person and has done amazing things.

“It’s an honour to be riding in the race and I just hope I can beat them all!”