julian pietropaolo

Stylish enough rider who could make it alright.

First winner today with Art Of Unity, 10lbs off its back made all the difference, will be keeping a close eye on his rides whilst claiming 7/10lbs.

It was a red-letter day for Julian Pietropaolo in Bellewstown as he rode his first winner on Art Of Unity in the Dickie McGuinness Handicap.

The 8/1 shot tracked the leaders and travelled well a quarter of a mile down. He was pushed along to lead over a furlong out and kept on to fend off fast-finishing My Girl Sioux (7/1) by half a length. Clarinbridge was another length away in third at 10/1.

Pietropaolo said: "I'm 16 and from Cork, a small village called Ballynoe. My cousins had ponies and when I was younger I used to go with them after school riding ponies.

"I progressed into a National Hunt yard with Donie Murphy.

"From there I spent the summer in Joseph O'Brien's. I took out my apprentice licence with Joseph after being there for a few months.

"I love it
up there and Joseph is building me up nice and slowly. It is what I have always wanted to do since I was four or five years old.

"He found plenty, I just had a quick look up at the two (pole) and I couldn't believe he was still on the bridle. He loved the ground as well.

"Massive thanks to Muredach (Kelly, trainer) as well for the ride on him."

Has possibilities of an EW double today with Art Of Unity and Little Keilee.

Won from the front on Art Of Unity again at 7/1 and tried to make all on Little Keilee but weakened final 1/2 furlong, looks promising for next years apprentice title as should get a fair few rides for Joseph.

Some ride on Art Of Unity for a 10lb claimer,definitely a future star.

Another good ride up the rail to win on Arch Enemy at Leopardstown 12/1

Has a ride on horse that won this race last year on heavy ground, Angel On Fire who was running well earlier this season before coming back a couple of weeks ago after a 4 month break, wouldn't be the biggest surprise if he comes back to form. I do think Asisaid looks a really good EW bet in this though.

Has a really good ride in the last at the Curragh today on Purring Along who won easily over C/D 5 days ago, replaces Wayne Lordan and OH has put horse up 9lbs but runs under a 7lb penalty today so actually 2lbs well in plus his 10lbs allowance, has to replicate last weeks run to win again.

Probably the draw had a lot to do with yesterdays run, or he made a total pigs ear of it, went of in front and was clear 2fs out but weakened inside final furlong to end up 12th, horse won previously coming through late on. That's twice he's gone well clear recently, he did the same on Little Keilee recently, ill judged or the draw, i'll give him benefit of doubt.
   Has a chance to atone on Art of Unity again, another horse that likes to get away in front but doubts about whether he'll see out the 6th furlong.

Think the Purring Along run/ride at the Curragh on Tuesday is best forgotten,complete opposite side of the track and only 5 days after busting a gut over C/D,ran a similar style to the Lordan ride but just ran out of gas.

Fine ride there in the second Div of the App Handicap,lucky not to hit the deck in the first Div of it.

making strides