Hello punters:- I do remember reading in an old book a time ago the saying that, "new things succeed as former things grow old", and, over the years, have found it to be a very apt description for many of the ups and downs of everyday life.

This was illustrated very cogently in recent times, with the departure of yet another young Irish jockey across the water, to take up what looks to be the opportunity of a lifetime for him, riding as top jockey to Nick Richards at his Greystoke yard in Cumbria, in Northern Britain. Richards, and his family before him, have been amongst the leading British trainers for yonks now, so the young Irish jockey, Corkman Davy Condon, who has been riding brilliantly in recent times has really landed on his feet on this occasion. Well done, Dave!

The story goes that the incumbent stable jockey, Tony Dobbin, who has been in this yard for years, was contemplating retiring over the past season, and it appears that on one of his recent visits to Cheltenham he witnessed young Condon riding a terrific winner, and was very impressed by what he saw from the young lad. On returning to Greystoke, Dobbin had a long chat with Nick Richards as to who would take over from him as stable jockey, and recommended Davy Condon as well up for the job, and the rest is history.

Mentor

The trainer spoke to the young jockey, and Condon expressed himself interested in taking up the position, but would have to clear the way with his Irish mentor, trainer Willie Mullins. Needless to mention, Mullins gave the young man his blessing, and tons of encouragement to accept the job. In recent times, Condon went over to ride one of Nick Richard's horses, Premier Dane, in a chase at Perth racecourse, and gave a grand display to come home an easy winner on the day. After the race, Richards was full of praise for his new protégée, and expressed himself as looking forward to their future partnership.

Davy will remain with Willie Mullins until September of this year, and then will go to take up the position of stable jockey at the famous Greystoke stable. So, another Irish talent will leave our shores to be added to the many already plying their wares in Britain, although no one realises more that the young Corkman, that along with his innate talent, a taste of good old Irish luck will surely help this young lad to bring home the bacon!

Well, it does go to show that new things do succeed as former things grow old, for no matter how good one's talent, a la Tony Dobbin, there is always a young person, a la Davy Condon, waiting just around every corner to take over, and carry on the good work.

Well, Aidan O'Brien has done it again! Is there no stopping the young wizard! Yet another major prize went into the stable coffers last Saturday with a narrow win in the Eclipse at Sandown. After Maarahel and Campanologist had made the early running, Pipedreamer and Phoenix Tower made their moves early in the straight. This pair, with Campanologist, joined forces about a furlong out, with Mount Nelson also coming with a storming run.