Yash Narredu has spent two months in Ireland
Posted on - 22 Jul 2016
Yash Narredu has spent two months in Ireland. He flies back to Mumbai on July 23.
Yash called me Tuesday afternoon. He is articulate and spoke with conviction. “ I came to Ireland on April 23. It was Pat Smullen( Ireland’s top rider) who suggested that a stay in Ireland would be a great experience.”
“I rode horses from trainer John Feane’s yard. I also did work on Dermot Weld’s horses. Pat Smullen rides for Dermot Weld. I could not have asked for better exposure. I got 10 rides. I was second twice and third once,” Yash stated.
I asked Yash if the Irish fans were reluctant to support his horses. “The jockey colony in Ireland is very strong. Eight weeks is not long enough to make a mark. I was once 7/1 and much longer in most of my races. I cannot say enough about the jockeys and trainers. They are professional and there was a word or two of encouragement whenever I spoke to anybody. From the learning standpoint, I am delighted I made this trip. My confidence level is high.”
Curragh, Killarney, Navan, Sligo, Leopardstown and Down Royal are the Irish tracks Yash Narredu rode at. Every course is unique in Ireland. Curragh is right handed and has not easy-to-understand undulations. Leopardstown is left handed. In Ireland, there is limited racing. The fields, therefore, are big.
“I believe I will be a better rider when I return to India. I want to thank everyone who helped me out in Ireland,” Yash said.
I see Irish and English racing on Saturdays and Sundays on an American racing network. I saw Yash riding Asian Wing, an 8/1 chance, in a 3200-metre race last Sunday. Seeing European route races is an unbelievable experience.
I spoke to ColmO’Donoghue. Jockey O’Donoghue won a Group II race on Sunday. I congratulated him.
“There’s a possibility I will be in Chicago on Arlington Million day in August. I look forward to seeing you,” O’Donoghue said.
“I believe I will be in India for the winter. I enjoy being in India and riding there.” Colm mentioned.
Talking of Dermot Weld, he saddled Harzand to win the English Derby at Epsom and the Irish Derby at the Curragh. Pat Smullen was the victorious jockey.
Jockey Kieren Fallon has retired. Fallon was suffering from depression and he is seeking treatment. I have been trying to reach him to no avail.
Dr Cyrus Poonawalla’s Gordon Lord Byron won the 1400-metre Group II Friarstown Stud Minstrel Stakes at the Curragh last Sunday. Billy Lee was the jockey. Tom Hogan trains for Dr. Poonawalla. Gordon Lord Byron, a globe trotter, has been a loyal servant to his owners. He has been successful at the highest level several times.
