Kilmore Quay’s Martin set to take part in Irish-Aussie jockey battle
A 28-YEAR-OLD jockey, who is originally from Kilmore Quay, will take part in this year’s Australia V Ireland Jockey Challenge which takes place in Australia this week.
Martin Kelly is a graduate of the RACE programme in The Curragh, learning his trade under Jim Dreaper.
He started riding in Australia in 2009 and has ridden 50 winners, including von Doussa and Great Eastern Steeplechases at the famous Oakbank Easter Racing Carnivals, aboard champion jumper Thubiaan, for Eric Musgrove.
He is arguably in career best form, with 15 wins on the 2017/2018 season.
He, and another jockey, were nominated by Thoroughbred Racing South Australia.
The Irish team includes Shane Jackson (also based in Australia), with Adam Short and Donal McInerney flying out to join them for what is the 32nd consecutive year that an Irish team has been invited to Australia to participate.
There has been 42 contests staged in the two countries with Ireland taking the honours on 26 occasions, Australia winning 15 times, and one occasion where there was a draw.
The series, which is based on a points system depending on the finishing positions, was won by Team Ireland last year on a score of 55 points to 35.
This year’s race series will take place at Morphettville Racecourse on Irish Day (Saturday, September 1) where the teams will compete in two races, a hurdle and steeplechase, for the coveted title.
Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said: ‘I’d like to wish the Irish team the best of luck in this year’s Australian challenge. It’s a big honour to be chosen to represent your country and I am sure that Adam, Donal, Shane and Martin will do us proud.’