Jockey Tom ‘Socks’ Madden makes his debut under Rules at Navan today when he partners his mother Patricia’s Hazy Days in the Trim Apprentice Handicap.
It was at the Garristown horse and pony race meeting in Co Dublin in May 2012 that young Madden initially hit the headlines when riding his first winner.
The then 14-year-old went on to achieve a feat possibly unprecedented at any level of racing by notching four victories on the day of his breakthrough.
Tom is the younger brother of Grand National-winning pilot Niall ‘Slippers’ Madden and son of trainer Niall ‘Boots’ Madden.
Fresh from his success aboard Jack Daniels in the Dingle Derby in August, which is the highlight of the ‘flapping’ year at Ballintaggart racecourse, Madden will have two rides at Navan.
After partnering Hazy Days, who is trained by his father and owned by his mother, Patricia, he teams up with stable companion Salesin in the first division of the Meath Handicap.
Hazy Days has been hurdling of late and drops back to sprinting this time, while Salesin, a stalwart of the Maddens’ Naas operation, contests a 10-furlong event.
The jockey’s sister Sarah Ann said: “He just turned 16 on Saturday and he’s signed on to Dad. He’ll be remaining in school, too. “He had a brilliant season pony racing, including a big win on Jack Daniels in the Dingle Derby. He had a great year all round and certainly provided us with lots of entertainment.”
Mouse Morris has confirmed next month’s Fortria Chase at Navan as the likely next run for Baily Green following his excellent run in defeat at Gowran Park on Saturday.