No joy for Dylan Browne-McMonagle in first Irish Derby

Letterkenny jockey Dylan Browne-McMonagle finished eighth in Sunday’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh.

In the summer’s third Classic, the 20-year-old was appearing in the race for the first time and saddled White Birch.

Aboard the John Murphy-trained colt, sent off as the second favourite at 6/1 odds, Browne-McMonagle was held up and hampered in the early stages.

The Donegal man opted to go wide on the turn, but couldn’t get close enough to make a big impact.

Rhys Irwin in the points on first World Superbikes appearance

“It was just an incredible experience from start to finish we were put into the paddock between Jonatha Rea and Toprack and to be honest, I was a little nervous initially, but once I settled in I tried to treat it like any other race weekend,” Irwin said

Browne-McMonagle, a two-time Champion Apprentice jockey including in 2022, was given the coll after Colin Keane was given a suspension.

Browne-McMonagle described himself as ‘delighted’ and ‘blessed’ to get the chance.

Last year, he won the Group 1 National Stakes on Al Riffa.

The Irish Derby was won by the 4/11 favourite Auguste Rodin, ridden by Ryan Moore.