Dream debut for 16-year-old Fern O'Brien after 25-1 winner for dad Fergal

Fern O'Brien, the 16-year-old daughter of jumps trainer Fergal, enjoyed a dream first ride under rules as she steered 25-1 outsider Lord P to a comfortable win for her father at Carlisle's Monday evening meeting exclusively for female riders.

O’Brien, who competed in her last pony race on Thursday, was up against leading jockeys such as Saffie Osborne, Megan Nicholls, Laura Pearson and Josephine Gordon in the 6f handicap.

The young rider, unfazed by her opposition, delivered a ride beyond her years, taking the lead in the final furlong and seeing out the win by three and a quarter lengths.

It was a proud moment for Fergal, who leads the jumps trainers' championship and said: "We’re very proud of her. She deserves it as she works very hard in the yard. She’s been riding since she was four or five just messing about with ponies. Sally [Randell, assistant and partner to the trainer] bought her a racing pony when she was 12 and she’s been going at it since then really.”

Fern only became eligible to ride races under rules on Saturday after turning 16 with her father explaining that this was far from a long-term target.

He said: "It wasn’t really planned. Lord P was a horse I had off Richard Hannon for my landlord’s dad. We ran him over hurdles and he didn’t really stay over hurdles. He wasn’t the best mover so we tried to rehome him.

The O'Briens in the winner's enclosure after a first winner for FernCredit: John Grossick

"Christy Mews who had him said this horse had turned a corner. He’s definitely moving better and he’s happier. This was last January and he thought he would be a good horse for Fern to start off with so we arranged to have the horse and the rest is history. We’re delighted."

Fern, a winner of five pony races, finished a credible fourth on her only other ride of the evening Lockdown Dream, again for her father.

Read more:

Lyons team targeting Group races with Sacred Bridge after big payday

Silken Petals handed Listed target after denying Royal Ascot fifth

Hansen makes lengthy trip to win on agent Shelley Dwyer's Trinity Girl

Haslam plotting Sunday Series tilt with Fortamour after feature success

Big day for the Fahey family as Niamh finally beats the boys

The wait is almost over! Pick up your copy of the Big Kick-Off, free inside the Racing Post on Wednesday, August 4. Your complete guide to the 2021-22 football season is packed full of tips from our experts and team-by-team guides for every English division