Eddie Ahern, who has made an excellent start to his new job as stable jockey at La Grange Stables, has spoken about his "excitement" at joining such a powerful yard for the 2011 Flat season.
"I could not have wished for a better New Year's present," declared Eddie. "When Ed rang me with the offer I was absolutely delighted to accept - I did not need to think twice about it as he is a great guy to work for, has a terrific team of horses and the staff have been so friendly and have quickly made me feel right at home."
"I go down twice a week to ride out as it is important to get to know the horses before the turf season starts - obviously Snow Fairy is the Queen of the string, but there is so much quality there and plenty of untapped potential."
"I won the Height O' Fashion Stakes at Goodwood on Snow Fairy and also rode her when she finished fourth in the St Leger at Doncaster. She clearly did not stay on Town Moor but later showed what an exceptional filly she is when winning in Japan and Hong Kong, so, while she is Ryan Moore's ride, there might well be occasions when he is not available, either through suspension or commitments with Sir Michael Stoute, so, hopefully, I might be able to get back on her one day."
"Native Khan is one I am really looking forward to riding again. I was really impressed with him when he won the Solario Stakes at Sandown, and, though he might not have beaten Frankel in the Dewhurst, he did not enjoy the rain-softened ground that day at Doncaster and he is definitely a lot better than that. He is such a good mover - he floats over fast ground, and I am sure that he will make up into a top-class three-year-old."
"It was also good being able to celebrate the job by booting home a winner or two for Ed on the All-Weather - he is such a great trainer and we have always got on well. He believes in bringing his horses along steadily, so who knows he might well unravel another Ouija Board or Snow Fairy somewhere along the line."