Harnett seals apprentice title on Choctaw Nation

Paddy Harnett completed a remarkable late surge to be crowned champion apprentice in Ireland and topped it off with an impressive victory on Choctaw Nation at the Curragh.

Harnett had trailed his main rival Sam Coen by three winners last week but enjoyed an incredible 48 hours which saw him ride five winners putting two in front.

When Aidan O’Brien’s Choctaw Nation (4-9 favourite) made most of the running in the Irish EBF Maiden, earning a 25-1 Derby quote in the process, it meant Harnett could not be caught.

“It’s crazy and to have everyone from home up here as well is brilliant,” said Harnett. “I’d like to thank everybody who has supported me through the year and through the years as I wouldn’t be here without them.

“To start the last day of the season with a winner for Aidan O’Brien in the Coolmore silks is crazy and I’d like to thank him very much.

“I never gave up when I was suspended, there’s lots of bumps in this game. When I came back I just tried to keep everyone happy and get on the best horses.

“I’ve ridden a lot of nice horses for Donnacha (O’Brien) this year and he’s given me lots of winners so I’d like to thank him a lot. Even at home he’s helped me a lot.

“At the start of the year the title was a hope. As a jockey going into every year you hope to be champion something. I had 11 winners last year and my main goal was to better that.”

Of Choctaw Nation he added: “He’s a very, very nice horse. His greatest attribute is that he’s so straightforward. He hacked down to the start in front no problem.

“He had a lovely introduction in Navan and the lads came away feeling that he would improve a tonne.

“Today he hacked down lovely. He sat in the stalls, he was in there ages but he was so quiet. He popped out lovely and he was happy to go upsides in front.

“I got down to the three going easy and I gave him a click down to the two and he just took off.

“He’s something that I’ve never ridden before. He gave me some feel.”