'I'm gutted' - travel hell rules Irish teenager out of first British ride

Teenage jockey Sam Ewing was left "gutted" by the cancelled flight which cost him his first ride in Britain on Saturday.

The Northern Ireland-born apprentice, 17, had been due to partner topweight Aikido for Ger Lyons in the £75,000 Pavers Foundation Catherine Memorial Sprint Handicap (3.40), claiming 5lb on a sprinter he won on last year.

3.40 York racecard and betting

But he had to call off his trip to York when he arrived at the airport at 6am only to find that the Aer Lingus flight to Leeds Bradford had been cancelled.

"I'm gutted," said Ewing, who has ridden 34 winners in Ireland and was also entrusted with the ride on Tiger Roll when he made his comeback on the Flat last year.

"It's unfortunate as it would have been a great experience for me. It wasn't to be but I'm sure there will be plenty more. There's no point sulking over it."

Ewing won a 7f maiden at Dundalk on Aikido, who won over today's trip of 6f under Colin Keane at the same course in April.

"He could run well and I hope that he does," said the jockey, who rode over 100 winners in pony races and won the prestigious Dingle Derby before becoming an apprentice.

"It would be nice to see him go on and bring back a winner in England."

Aikido, the only Irish-trained runner in the race, was a best-priced 9-1 for the race mid-morning on Saturday.

There has been support for Pricewise pick First Folio (7-1 from 8) and for Showalong (11-2 from 13-2), whose trainer Tim Easterby has won this race in three of the last seven years.

More to read:

ITV Racing tips: one key runner from each of the eight races on ITV on Saturday

'He's very much on the up' - progressive sprinters clash on the Knavesmire

'I'd dearly love to win this one' - amateurs keen to shine in Queen Mother's Cup

Racing Post exclusive offer. New customers can get £30 in free bets. First single & e/w bet only. Odds of 1/1 or greater. 6 x £5 bet token. Free bet stakes not included in returns. Free bets redeemable on horse racing only. Free bets are non withdrawable. No free bet expiry. Eligibility restrictions. Further T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.