Jockey Aidan Coleman says it is a big “relief” to have ridden his first Grade One winner in the JLT Hurdle at Ascot.
Coleman partnered Paisley Park to victory in Berkshire on Saturday after the duo pulled away from second-placed West Approach, who was two lengths behind the winner.
The Nicky Henderson-trained Top Notch ended up third ahead of The Mighty Don in fourth, whilst last year’s winner Sam Spinner – who was hesitant at the first hurdle – unseated Joe Colliver at the second.
It was the first Grade One winner for Coleman and trainer Emma Lavelle.
“It’s such a relief,” the jockey said. “I’ve been riding an awful long time and I hadn’t had one. I never thought it was on my mind – I’m not far off 1,000 winners – but 50 yards from the line I finally realised what a monkey it was on my back.
“It’s great to win – but I’m almost embarrassed it’s taken me this long.”
