Abbie Fitzgibbon Claims First Jumping Victory at Navan Hurdle

UPDATE: In a thrilling victory, Abbie Fitzgibbon achieved her first jumping success at the Navan racecourse on July 16, 2023. Riding the six-year-old mare Flashaway, trained by Charles Byrnes, Fitzgibbon triumphed in the two-mile maiden hurdle, marking a significant milestone in her racing career.

Fitzgibbon, who hails from Charleville and is the sister of hurling star Darragh Fitzgibbon, rode the 16/1 outsider to victory, overtaking the favorite, Switch From Diesel, trained by Ross O’Sullivan. The victory came as she led the pack approaching the final hurdle, ultimately winning by a decisive length.

In a statement to irishracing.com, an exuberant Fitzgibbon expressed her joy, saying, “It’s nice to get this one. Super and she toughed it out.” Fitzgibbon emphasized her confidence in the final stretch, explaining, “If I got a good stride at the last, I was fairly confident (of winning).”

Fitzgibbon’s victory is particularly notable as it comes after a brief hiatus from winning, having previously secured an amateur rider’s race at Listowel on Dark Spark in June 2022. She reflected on her journey, stating, “I’ve had a good few placed, but it has been a while since my last win.”

Her success at Navan underscores her dedication to the sport, as she trains with Byrnes six days a week. “I love working there. I’m going into my third year and am riding everything I can get my hands on!” she added, highlighting her commitment to honing her skills and striving for further successes.

This victory not only marks a personal achievement for Fitzgibbon but also has implications for the community of amateur jockeys, inspiring others to chase their dreams in the competitive world of horse racing. As the racing season continues, all eyes will be on Fitzgibbon as she seeks to build on this momentum in future races.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow Abbie Fitzgibbon’s promising career in the world of horse racing!