Dundalk double for Laois through Holohan and Duffy

MOUNTRATH teenager Reese Holohan brought his season to a memorable conclusion when guiding Son Of Beauty to a last-gasp success at Dundalk on Friday evening, although his brave bid to claim the apprentice jockeys’ championship ultimately fell just short.

Holohan headed into the final days of the season still in contention for apprentice honours, but a series of late winners enabled Abbeyfeale rider Paddy Harnett to secure the title. Despite missing out on the championship, Holohan ensured he ended the campaign on a high note with a determined winning ride aboard the Stephen Thorne-trained Son Of Beauty.

Competing in the mile handicap, the gelding was sent off at 7/1 and looked set to suffer an unlucky defeat when finding himself short of room at a crucial stage inside the final furlong. As rivals closed in around him, Son Of Beauty was briefly trapped in traffic and appeared to have lost his chance.

However, once daylight appeared, Holohan reacted instantly. Showing all the composure and determination that have marked his progress throughout the season, he drove the gelding forward with a powerful late challenge.

The pair surged towards the leaders in the dying strides and managed to get their noses in front exactly where it mattered, snatching victory by a head right on the winning post. It was a ride full of patience and confidence from the young Laois jockey and provided a fitting reward for a season that has seen him establish himself among the country's leading apprentices.

While Holohan was celebrating his Dundalk success, apprentice title winner Harnett continued his remarkable late-season run. The Limerick rider enjoyed a flurry of winners during the final week of the championship, building the momentum needed to secure the coveted crown.

Among those victories was a success for Errill trainer Shane Duffy, whose Roman Harry landed one of the seven-furlong handicaps at Dundalk. Sent off at 11/2, Roman Harry produced a strong finish to prevail by a short head in another closely contested race, adding further silverware for the Laois stable and contributing to Harnett’s championship-winning tally.

The performances of Son Of Beauty and Roman Harry ensured a strong Laois presence on the all-weather card, with both local connections and riders making their mark. Although the apprentice title eluded him, Holohan's season-ending victory served as a reminder of his considerable talent and potential, while Duffy’s success underlined the strength of training talent within the county.

For Laois racing followers, it was a night that showcased both the emerging stars and the established figures of the local racing scene, providing plenty of encouragement ahead of the season to come.