Promising 3yo Clebourne got off the mark tonight in good style in the Injuredjockeys.com Handicap over 6f at Dundalk. It was a very good performance by a horse I've always liked and I would have been disappointed if he hadn't won. He needed the experience in his previous runs but now that the penny has dropped with him he never looked likely to be beaten.
He's a lovely big athletic horse with a great stride on him and getting his head in front tonight on just his 5th racecourse start will do wonders for his confidence. It was a nice winner too for Declan McDonogh on his return home from a very successful stint in Australia and as ever he was seen to great effect in the saddle.
Clebourne is a credit to his owners Mick and Ciara Carty who also bred him. I was particularly delighted for them. Clebourne is the first foal from their mare Viva Dvia and it's fantastic to get her off to a winning start. Judging by this lad I think she's going to be a fantastic broodmare for their Kilmoney Cottage Stud. It's already a quality operation and she will enhance it further I've no doubt.
I think Clebourne will be even better when we get him onto the grass this summer. He's loads of scope and a great attitude to go with it. I'm very much looking forward to the future with him.
Another great job done by all the team at New Rathbride Stables. Their hard work has been rewarded with 3 wins from our last 7 runners and long may that excellent form continue.