Rising star jump jockey Dan King made history on Thursday when he completed a huge Galway Festival double. The 21-year-old, tipped to reach the top of his profession, became the first rider in 42 years to win both the Galway Plate and the Galway Hurdle.
Plate Victory
On Wednesday, King secured the biggest prize of his career as King Alexander, at odds of 20-1, gave trainer Willie Mullins a third victory in the Galway Plate. The pair moved effortlessly into the lead from long-time leader Nouvotic at the second-last fence and held off fast-finishing Conyers Hill to win by half a length.
Hurdle Success
Less than 24 hours later, King rode Putapoundinthejar to capture the Guinness Galway Hurdle. Saving ground throughout, the 10-1 winner, trained by Tony Martin, led at the final flight to beat Thisistheway by three and a quarter lengths. It was Martin's fifth victory in the race.
“It was plain sailing the whole way round,” King said after emulating the late Joe Byrne, who won both races in 1984. “He jumped savage the whole way round - he didn’t miss a beat. I took a chance going round the inside but when I wanted the gaps to open up they did.
“I’d never ridden a winner at the Galway Festival before but I was hopeful - I was coming here this week with a few nice rides. When you get two of the biggest pots of the week, it’s class. Dream stuff.”
Martin added of Putapoundinthejar: “He’s a big, old-fashioned horse. He was only coming to himself since Christmas and hopefully he’ll go on improving.”
