Image © Healy Racing
Noel McParlan enjoyed a near perfect start to his new season, as the reigning northern champion had a full book of rides at Toomebridge last Saturday, and finished in the frame in every race with three winners, two seconds and a third.
McParlan initiated his treble in the second race of the day aboard the Ger Quinn-trained four-year-old debutant Shabalko D’Herm.
Locally trained at Caherty Stables, Philip McBurney purchased this French-bred at the 2023 Tattersalls Derby sale for €36,000.
Sent off favourite, McParlan kept the son of Balko at the head of affairs throughout before asserting most impressively into the straight to score with ease.
McParlan who rides out every Tuesday and most Fridays at the Caherty yard in Broughshane, County Antrim said that he would have been disappointed had he got beaten on the well-supported Shabalko D’Herm.
“He couldn’t have done any more, he is a great jumper and although he was untidy at a couple, we were very happy with his win”.
“The four-year-old mare Belle De Vassy who was third in the opener also ran a lovely race and will be one to watch on a softer surface.”
Caroline McCaldin’s Jim The Wolf provided a quick double for McParlan when landing the five-year-old geldings’ maiden.
The grey son of Joshua Tree whom McCaldin trains for her father Wilson Dennison, was unlucky to be carried out at this venue back in May, and he scored comfortably for connections on the eighth time of asking, gaining due reward for his consistency.
McCaldin was also responsible for McParlan’s third winner on the card when saddling Hornet Nolimit to win the concluding older geldings maiden.
McParlan made all on the grey seven-year-old, who was returning to action after a long absence, to run out a four length winner.
The County Down rider had really fancied this Kitkou gelding beforehand, mentioning that he always thought a lot of him as a five-year-old, and ‘it was no surprise that he won well’.
The four-time crowned Northern Champion rider keeps himself busy during the week, fitting in a dozen horses he has at home with his father Sean along whilst also riding out for Caroline McCaldin on Tuesdays after Ger Quinn’s, occasionally schooling for Pat Turley and Colin McBratney.
“I have a nice few four-year-olds to look forward to for the season ahead and the plan is to stay in one piece and ride as many winners as possible.”
