Conor Cusack rides first career winner on Stepdance

Recent Tramore Derby winner Stepdance gave her young jockey Conor Cusack a day he will never forget when crediting him with a first career winner in the Panoramic Restaurant At Limerick Racecourse Apprentice Handicap.

Having just his seventh ride under Rules, Cusack kept it simple on the well supported 9/4 market leader.

Chasing Wayside Lady for much of the contest, Stepdance closed up early in the straight, before getting to the front over a furlong out.

Keeping on strongly inside the final furlong, Cusack landed a memorable win, as he held the late run of Jurality by half-a-length.

“It’s a great feeling. I was supposed to be out in Spain on holidays but the availability came up to ride this one so I said I’d book a flight home early and thank-God it’s worked out,” said Cusack.

“I wouldn’t say she’s keen but I saw her in Tramore the last day and when they came out of the stalls they went straight down the hill. Today they met the rising ground on the first bend and she settled well coming down the back then.

“I didn’t think that Nicola went overly quick. I probably didn’t get cover early enough so I kind of tracked her a bit.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I thought I got there about half a furlong too soon but nothing got to me then and it was some feeling crossing the line.

“I’m 17 and from Waterford so I’m based five minutes away from Henry.

“I went in there when I was 12. I was in school with Henry’s son Jack so he kind of got me in there and got me started. I just want to dedicate this to him.”