RICHARD FAHEY was full of praise for Sammy Jo Bell after his apprentice jockey lifted the Alistair Haggas Silver Saddle for the leading rider at Saturday’s Shergar Cup.

Bell has progressed in leaps and bounds this season under Fahey’s guidance, having spent time with Jim Bolger and Kevin Prendergast in Ireland in her younger days.

Now battling it out with the likes of Cam Hardie, Tom Marquand and Jack Garritty, who is also under Fahey’s tenure, for the apprentice title, the massive exposure the Shergar Cup has granted her is a huge boost.

“She’s a great girl,” said Fahey.

“I’m delighted with her and for her. She’s got a good racing brain on her, which you don’t find all the time.

“She’s a very good horsewoman and is a very good worker. Makes no difference to me that she’s a girl; if someone works hard and is capable I’m happy.

“She’s a clever girl and deserves all she gets.”

Bell herself will now try to maintain a level head but hopes her success leads to a few more rides.

“I think it’s just about sunk in now, it’s brilliant,” she said.

“There’s still a long way to go before I start thinking of apprentice titles and the like so I’ll just keep my head down, work away as normal and try to get as many rides and winners as I can and take it from there.”