Image © Healy Racing
Áine Connolly made history at Ballynoe on Sunday when steering Lucy Wang to victory in the GAIN Mares’ Series Final, becoming the first female rider to win the prestigious contest, which has been run for almost four decades.
The Fethard rider settled the Josh Halley-trained mare towards the rear in the early stages before making steady headway from five out, moving into contention approaching the home turn.
Taking up the running from three out, Lucy Wang asserted and, after a good jump at the last, kept on strongly to defeat the favourite Dedudefromhouston by one-and-three-quarter lengths.
“It’s class. It’s what you dream of when you’re riding ponies from when you’re small. Even to get the opportunity to ride in it and have your name on the racecard is brilliant, and then to actually win it - it’s unreal.”
It was Connolly’s initial visit to Ballynoe, but she ensured she was well prepared by walking the course beforehand and taking on board advice from fellow riders on the day.
“In fairness to Ballynoe, the track was in great nick. I hadn’t realised how steep it was and with such a short run-in you don’t want to be too far back.”
Despite finding herself slightly further back than ideal in the early stages, she was always content with how the race was unfolding.
“She’s a big mare and the instructions are always straightforward, just don’t overcomplicate it. I probably ended up a bit further back than I’d have liked, but she was jumping fluently and I was never panicking.
“I knew she’d stay going once you asked her, so it was just about being patient and getting her into it at the right time.”
Connolly was also happy to let the race develop in front of her, with the strong early pace playing to her strengths.
“They went a good gallop and I knew they wouldn’t keep that up the whole way, so I was happy enough to sit off it and bide my time.”
Having partnered Lucy Wang to her maiden success at Turtulla earlier in the season, Connolly felt the mare arrived at Ballynoe in peak condition.
“She’s been a great mare for me. She was working really well at home and the lads were happy with her. The ground was key as well. She loves that good ground.”
Halley was not present on the day, as he was on duty with a runner at Naas, leaving Connolly to be supported by her father, Jarlath ‘Foxy’ Connolly, who saddled the mare, while Brendan from the yard led her up. Her mother Annette was also absent, having remained at home.
There was, however, a strong family connection to the venue, with her grandfather, Michael Croke, having ridden his first winner at Ballynoe many years earlier.
The GAIN Mares’ Final, first run in 1987 and traditionally staged at Ballynoe, remains a cornerstone of the Irish point-to-point calendar, continuing to highlight the development of quality mares at grassroots level.
Sunday’s success marked another major step forward in Connolly’s fledgling career, having only made her racecourse debut in December 2024 and taken her first ride between the flags just two months later.
With 15 rides between the flags and two winners to her name, both aboard Lucy Wang, the partnership has progressed steadily throughout the season.
“She’s improving all the time. Her fitness is getting better and she loves being in work. Running in those Opens gave her plenty of confidence as well.”
Lucy Wang has come out of her race well and, while future plans will be decided by Halley, a possible next step could be a hunter chase at Cork on Easter Monday.
Connolly is based with Halley, where her father is also part of the team, and continues to gain experience, riding out for Pat Doyle on Saturday mornings and schooling at Boulta on Fridays.
“Josh has been incredible. He’s given me every opportunity and I’m very grateful. It doesn’t matter to him whether you’re male or female, if you work hard - you’ll get your chances.”
“Josh has been incredible. He’s given me every opportunity and I’m very grateful. It doesn’t matter to him whether you’re male or female, if you work hard - you’ll get your chances.”
