By Andrew Atkinson
NICK Barratt-Atkin’s debut ride under rules at Ayr on Tuesday evening – booked to ride the Phil Kirby trained Hard Times – was thwarted on medical grounds.
“I was told by the Clerk I couldn’t ride,” said disappointed Nick, ahead of the Summer Prosecco Mini Break at Western House handicap (C6) over 1 mile 2 furlongs.
Nick, returning after breaking his femur earlier this year, had to look on as Ella McCain rode Hard Times into sixth place, behind winner Hillgrove Angel.
“As far as I knew I thought I was okay to ride,” said teenager Nick, who underwent recuperation at Jack Berry House following his leg break.
Apprentice 7lb claimer Nick, who celebrates his 17th birthday on May 31, has now been given the all clear to ride as of from Thursday May 30.
“It’s exciting times for me at Philip Kirby Racing stables – it’s a great place to work,” said Nick.
New to Philip Kirby North Yorkshire stables, Hard Times, had raced at Dundalk, Thurles, Naas, Killarney, Limerick, Listowell, Bellewstown, Tipperary, Cork, Sligo, Roscommon, and Gowran Park, prior to racing at Ayr on May 28.
Hard Times won at Tipperary over 7 furlongs in July 2016 at 20-1, on yielding to soft going; and at Listowel in June 2017 at 33-1, on good going over 1 mile.
Looking ahead teenager Nick, under the tuition of jockey coach Phil Kinsella, added: “Phil is a great boss to me.”
On returning after injury proud Nick Barratt-Atkin snr. said: “Nick’s been through a lot – I can’t begin to list everyone who has helped him on his way – I thank you all.”
