OMAGH jockey, Simon Torrens was crowned Champion Conditional Jockey at the conclusion of the Punchestown Festival and endorsed his talents with a double at the meeting.
The local rider ended the season with a total of 34 winners, including a big race double at the Dublin Racing Festival, with numerous horses owned by JP McManus, including his double at the season’s finale.
Torrens brought his tally for the season to 33 winners when landing the final of the Adare Manor Opportunities Series on the opening session of Punchestown on the Jessica Harrington trained, ‘Guiri’, owned by the series sponsor JP McManus.
Torrens said: “It’s great to be here at the Punchestown Festival and to come out with a winner like that is special. 25 lads wanted to be handy and, after a standing start due to the tape being broken, I got a great split and there was plenty of pace all the way.
“It was probably a benefit on today’s ground, as it’s on the slow side of good and the first time cheek pieces set him alight. He was probably nearly there too soon, but he put his head where it mattered. I want to thank loads of people, who have helped and supported me, especially Mr McManus and Mr Berry (Racing Manager).”
The Omagh rider partnered his second winner of the festival and was seen to excellent advantage when winning aboard ‘Sully D’oc Aa’ for British trainer, Anthony Honeyball to claim the handicap chase on day two of the meeting.
Torrens said: “I’m absolutely delighted and thrilled to win the championship, but it all starts again in a couple of weeks’ time.”
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