Roche junior gets first win after taking over Kildare training yard of legendary father

Kildare trainer Padraig Roche recorded the first win of his nascent career on Saturday afternoon at Fairyhouse since taking over the trainer's licence from his father Christy at the beginning of this year.

Three time Champion Jockey Christy announced his retirement from training at the end of 2017, having recorded some notable wins across his career such as landing the Galway Plate with Grimes and also winning the Supreme Novices' Hurdle with Like a Butterfly in 2002.

He passed on the training licence to his son, and somewhat poignantly it was the horse that earned Christy his last win as a trainer that also delivered a first win for Padraig, as Out of the Loop captured the Tommy Carberry Handicap Hurdle in Fairyhouse.

Owned by JP McManus, Out of the Loop is one of a number of horses that the new trainer has been able to retain since taking over his father's yard. There was another Kildare connection on board as Mark Walsh led the five-year-old to an impressive win with five and a half lengths to spare over Gordon Elliott's Sire Du Berlais.

"That was great," smiled Roche afterwards.

"Thanks to JP (McManus, owner) and Frank (Berry, racing manager) for giving me the opportunity in my first year. We've always thought he was a nice horse, even when Dad had him. He improved from every run and he seems to be filling out. I was delighted with him there. It's great to get the first one out of the way."