Irish jockey Adam Farragher has celebrated a significant career milestone, achieving his maiden stakes race victory with the Ciaron Maher-trained Glory Daze in the Listed W J McKell Cup at Rosehill.

Farragher had previously finished in the placings in seven black-type races, including a Group 2 event in the UK, but was thrilled to finally secure a Listed win on Saturday.

“I didn’t get too many chances back home in these sort of races. They were few and far between,” Farragher commented. “I’m really delighted. It has been a long time coming.”

Having previously ridden for William Haggas overseas and accompanied Dubai Honour during one of its Sydney carnival raids, Farragher was introduced to Maher through a mutual friend and accepted the champion horseman’s offer to relocate to Australia late last year.

Jo Gerard-Dubord, Ciaron Maher’s assistant trainer, was trackside for Farragher’s career breakthrough and expressed her delight, calling it a deserved reward for his dedication.

“It’s good for Adam. He’s a hard worker, and he doesn’t get many opportunities,” Gerard-Dubord stated. “He has been here for a bit now and he has ridden a few good winners for us, and he rode him perfectly.”

Gerard-Dubord revealed that the McKell Cup was a critical race for Glory Daze, who had been performing below par this campaign and was facing the threat of retirement if he didn’t rebound at Rosehill.

“He’s had a bit of racing and he’s not getting any younger,” Gerard-Dubord observed. “He’s had his issues in the past, so when they lose form like that it’s usually hard to get them back. But off the back of that, there are a few more runs left in him.”

Glory Daze ($31, according to leading Aussie betting sites) was guided expertly from the front by Farragher, demonstrating grit when challenged in the straight to fend off Tavros ($12) by a length. God’s Window ($2.70 favourite) finished a further half-neck behind in third.

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