CHAMPION JOCKEY AWARDS 2006
Declan McDonogh and Chris Hayes, Champion Jockey and Champion Apprentice
at Leopardstown on Sunday, 5th November.
Declan McDonogh will be crowned Champion Flat Jockey for the first time today and considering he only rode his first winner a little over eleven years ago, he has made great strides in recent seasons. Since the start of the season, he has showed tremendous determination and no little amount of skill in the saddle. His victory on Miss Beatrix in the inaugural running of the Shelbourne Hotel Goffs Million at the Curragh in mid-September was the highlight of a great year but there were other notable victories. He enjoyed a fine association with Mustameet, winning no less than five races, three at listed level and two pattern races including the Royal Whips Stakes at the Curragh. 2006 was also the year that Declan rode his first Royal Ascot winner as Elhamri took the Windsor Castle Stakes while he also partnered the same horse to take the Weatherbys Super Sprint at Newbury. Declan was also crowned leading rider at the Listowel Festival riding seven winners during an unforgettable week and he has the likes of Miss Beatrix, Boca Dancer and Evening Time to look forward to next season.
Chris Hayes is Champion Apprentice for the second consecutive season emulating the achievement of Tadhg O’Shea who was champion apprentice in 2001 and 2002 respectively. Having burst on the scene last season, Chris has consolidated his position as the brightest young talent inIreland and it won’t be long before he loses his 3lb claim. He may only be small in stature but is deceptively strong in a finish and is in constant demand by a wide variety of trainers. His ability to do a light weight should stand to him when he becomes a fully fledged professional some time next season (Chris only needs around 15 more winners to lose his claim) and one of his more notable victories in 2006 came on King Of Tory in the Oliver Freaney & Company September Handicap at Leopardstown on Baileys Irish Champion Stakes Day. His victory on Crossing in the Mooneys Of Monasterevin Handicap at the Curragh in late August was memorable as he defeated none other than six time Champion English Flat Jockey, Kieren Fallon, by a head in a driving finish. Both Declan and Chris are attached to the powerful Kevin Prendergast yard on the Curragh and this remarkable trainer deserves great credit for being fully supportive of both these young men in their careers to date.