From Moyross to Dundalk with the help of Johnny Murtagh

Trainer Johnny Murtagh has won lots of big races in what could be described as a globe-trotting career as a jockey and now as a trainer the Bohermeen man has established a fine reputation.

However, tonight at Dundalk he probably got as much, if not more, satisfaction from the performance of young first-time-out Limerick jockey Wesley Joyce.

Coming through the Moyross Youth Academy in Limerick and with no background in racing, Joyce decided that he wanted to attend RACE (Racing Academy and Centre of Education) at the Curragh from which he duly graduated and linked up with Johnny Murtagh.

Speaking during the week Murtagh commented: "We need more of these good news stories about racing, a young lad coming from Moyross, never rode a horse until he came up to the apprentice school and now he's getting a chance, it's great stuff, it's magical stuff."

It was almost a fairytale of Dundalk for the young Limerick man, but it was another Meath man who shaded the verdict in the five-furlong handicap that was over in 59.93 seconds.

For Wesley Joyce it was almost a dream start to his riding career, but he was edged out by a head as Moynalty jockey Declan McDonogh got Maggie Thunder first past the post for Clare trainer PJ Hassett.

One up for Clare at the expense of Limerick on this occasion anyway.