Tipperary jockey Cian Quirke is first past the post with a fine winner to start the new year

Mallow trainer Arthur O’Grady wins the handicap chase with the Cian Quirke-ridden Maciver at Tramore. Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post

placeholder image — Mallow trainer Arthur O’Grady wins the handicap chase with the Cian Quirke-ridden Maciver at Tramore. Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing Post

Conditional jockey Cian Quirke moved to within five winners of riding out his 5lbs claim when winning the near three-mile handicap chase on the Arthur O’Grady-trained eight-year-old Maciver on New Years day at Tramore.

The young Thurles jockey Cian Quirke made his point-to-point debut aboard the Andrew Slattery-trained Dont Say A Thing at Ballindenisk in December 2018 before Quirke made the move to the conditional ranks in the summer of 2021.

He was aboard the 12/1 chance Maciver that was left clear when Charles Byrnes’ 6/4 favourite Aodhan May refused at the final fence, and he raced to a 25-length success over Eoin Doyle’s Midweek Voices.

He was also in the winners enclosure at Naas on January 5th with the second placed Krabat in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.

Upcoming Fixtures

Dundalk – Friday, January 10 (First Race 4.30pm)

Fairyhouse – Saturday, January 11 (First Race 12 noon)

Punchestown – Sunday, January 12 (First Race 12.30pm)