Rossa Ryan, the jockey boyfriend of Ali Keating, enjoyed a dream start to the final day of Royal Ascot as Orthodox bolted up in the opening Norfolk Stakes. The 9-2 chance sprinted clear to show he has a huge future with his career just beginning.
It was further joy for Ryan, who was cheered on by his new girlfriend Ali Keating, 20, earlier at the meeting. The daughter of Boyzone star Ronan Keating shared pictures of the pair wearing their smart racing attire on her Instagram earlier this week.
"Wow Ali - lady in pink, what a beautiful lady, handsome couple!" one admirer commented. Another added, "Beautiful Allie! And your man is alright too!"
Her mother, Yvonne, expressed her approval with a brief "Gorgeous" accompanied by a heart eyes emoji, while her brother, Jack, showed his support with several rocket ship emojis.
The new couple had plenty to celebrate on Tuesday as Daiquiri Bay won the Copper Horse Stakes, before Orthodox ensured Ryan would be signing off on a successful note.
Ryan said of Orthodox: "He's a smart horse. We've always held him in high regard, and he's taken a massive step forward from his first run. He's got a smart future ahead of him. He's naturally quick and he's got a great make-up - he's very chilled out, nothing bothers him, and I think stepping up to six will be no problem. He's one to get up and be excited about in the morning."
Orthodox is trained by Clive Cox, who added: "Jason Goddard, the owner, was very lucky with Supremacy, but fingers crossed this fella is at least going to replicate him. We have trained his relations Heartache, and the dam Heartwarming. They were good fillies, but he is pretty special. He is the next level."
Ryan, 25, who hails from Ballinderry near Tuam and is the son of trainer David Ryan, has two more horses to ride to complete his duties at Royal Ascot, which is held over five days and has been attended by celebrities including Holly Willoughby, KSI and Charlotte Hawkins.
