'Fantastic day for Limerick sport' as two local jockeys win top prizes
Billy Lee, a native of Ballingarry, secured his first Irish Flat Jockeys’ Championship, capping off an outstanding season with 99 winners
LIMERICK jockeys had a weekend to remember with top honours going to both Billy Lee and Paddy Harnett.
Billy Lee, a native of Ballingarry, secured his first Irish Flat Jockeys’ Championship, capping off an outstanding season with 99 winners. Lee had finished runner-up in the championship on three previous occasions, in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
He travelled back from the Breeders’ Cup meeting at Keeneland in Kentucky, where he had been riding on Saturday, to attend the final meeting of the Irish Flat season at the Curragh on Sunday. Lee marked the occasion by riding his 99th winner of the season aboard Thread Of Gold in the Finale Stakes.
Fellow Limerick jockey Paddy Harnett, from Abbeyfeale, claimed the Champion Apprentice title following a remarkable late surge in the standings.
On the day where Fr Caseys won the Limerick SFC, Harnett sealed the championship with victory aboard Choctaw Nation in the opening race at the Curragh, making it a day to remember for both riders and for Limerick racing.
Príomh Chomhairleoir of Limerick, Cllr Tom Ruddle is a big racing fan and was at the Curragh for the occasion.
“This is a fantastic day for Limerick sport,” he said.
“Billy’s championship success and Paddy’s Champion Apprentice title reflect years of hard work and commitment at the highest level of racing. Their achievements are richly deserved and will be celebrated by racing fans across the county.”