WILLIE MULLINS and son Patrick were humbled by an unknown 17-year-old jockey who won thousands on his first ever ride – then said he was going to retire.
School pupil Jamie Martin turned over Mullins‘ 2-5 hotshot Highland Realm in a Tramore bumper last Friday.
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Mullins had won the race for the past six years and his Grand National-winning son was looking to make it a magnificent seven.
But Martin, who was on 10-1 Alaskan View, had other ideas.
Trained by his granddad, owned by his brother – who didn’t want him in the saddle – and led up his dad, it was a true family affair.
And it ended up being worth a few bob too.
Alaskan View was always doing enough to win and saw off the Mullins runner by half a length, landing a £5,000 cheque in the process.
Rachael Blackmore and Frankie Dettori were among those liking the video of Jamie’s interview afterwards.
The amateur jockey said he would retire after making it one win from one ride.
But his composure in the saddle suggested a big career could be ahead.
In a brilliant clip, he said: “I’m just so grateful to have the likes of my father and grandfather to give me the opportunity.
“My brother didn’t want me on the horse, but my Dad had his way.
“I thought I was dreaming for a second.
“I was talking to a few of the lads inside and I thought I was going to be making the running, but there was a bit of competition for the lead.
“I was tanking along so I let Alaskan View go off in front.
“She travelled along beautifully and heard Patrick coming near, but my horse lengthened out unreal.
“I thought I was going to fall off near the end but I made it!
“I looked across and said to Patrick ‘Did I win or not?’
“The plan was if I won this I’d retire with a 100 per cent strike rate but I think I’ll have to keep on going!”
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