Daring Danny doing North proud
CHAMPION jockey Brian Hughes claims northern racing is treated like a second-class citizen, but it has not prevented Cumbrian-based Danny McMenamin from being the season’s leading conditional jockey.
The 20-yearold, like Hughes, the champion conditional in the 2007-2008 season, grew up in Northern Ireland and both operate on the northern circuit. With a four-win edge over Bryan Carver, McMenamin is looking in a strong position to take the title on April 24. “I’m in front at the minute and hopefully I’ll keep going that way,” he said.
“I don’t want to put any pressure on myself but I just keep riding winners.”
Riding racehorses was not an obvious natural progression for McMenamin as his family have no involvement with the sport.
But the spectacle of horses galloping captivated the youngster.
“As a kid, I got hooked when my family took me to Downpatrick races,” said McMenamin.
“It’s our local track. and Ruby Walsh used to ride there a lot. He was my idol. Lovely to watch and also tactically brilliant.
“When I was 13 or 14, I started doing some show jumping, just at local competitions. Pony racing followed and that is when things took off.
“I worked for Brian Hamilton, whose yard is just five minutes from my house back home in Ballynoe. I was with him for two years but hadn’t ridden in a race.
“Tony Dobbin, who comes from the same village as me, suggested it would be a good idea to move to England and join Nicky Richards.”
The now-retired Dobbin, successful on Lord Gyllene in the 1997 Grand National, had enjoyed endless success with the Richards stable, riding for Nicky’s late father Gordon.
“After I had been with Nicky for six months, he gave me my first ride and it was a winner,” said McMenamin. “You don’t forget those moments – Western Rules at Ayr in March 2018.”
Three years ago, McMenamin flagged up his talent as a youngster going places when partnering Nietzsche to victory in the Grade Three Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham. This was followed by Grade Two success with NutsWell at Aintree in October.
“They are two very special places to ride winners,” said McMenamin.
“This season’s gone well but it’s some way to go before it ends.
“It would be brilliant to win the championship though, and if Brian Hughes (inset) could hold on to his title as well, it would be great for northern racing.”