It was a night to remember for Irish-born apprentice Robyn Lynch, who celebrated her first winner in the saddle when guiding Happy Clan to victory in the Mayhem in the Mounting Yard 20th November Handicap over 2000 metres at Launceston on Friday night.
Riding for trainer John Keys, Lynch brought up the milestone victory at just her 14th race ride, having made her riding debut at Devonport on September 2.
An understandably delighted Lynch told Tasracing following the win that it was a moment she would never forget.
“It feels amazing, a feeling like no other,” Lynch said.
“He was towing me the whole way, and when the gap on the fence opened, he just kept going.”
The breakthrough victory is another important step in the young apprentice’s promising career, which began on the other side of the world.
Before joining the Tasmanian Apprentice Program, Lynch developed her horsemanship at the renowned Rangers Lodge pre-training facility on Ireland’s famous Curragh, working under respected horseman Richard Brabazon.
She also studied Equine Science and Management at CAFRE (College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise) between 2020 and 2022, before gaining valuable experience as a trackwork rider.
That background has provided Lynch with a solid foundation as she looks to establish herself in the Tasmanian riding ranks.
Irish Eyes Were Smiling
And Lynch wasn’t the only Irish rider enjoying success at Mowbray on Friday night.
Fellow Irish-born jockey Erica Byrne Burke continued her excellent form, booting home a winning double aboard Olindah in race two and Jenni The Cat in race four.
With Lynch celebrating her maiden victory and Byrne Burke landing a double, it was certainly a night when the luck of the Irish was shining brightly at Launceston.
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