Sean Quinlan thrilled to seize chance on hugely popular Lady Buttons

Sean Quinlan was counting his blessings on Sunday after the late call-up to ride Lady Buttons at Doncaster on Saturday resulted in the jockey clinching one of the biggest wins of his career.

With Tommy Dowson partnering Phil Kirby-trained stablemate Top Ville Ben at Cheltenham and Adam Nicol sidelined by injury, Quinlan rode Lady Buttons for the first time and made it count as the hugely popular mare registered back-to-back victories in the Grade 2 Yorkshire Rose Mares' Hurdle.

Lady Buttons, winner of a 2m4½f Listed mares' chase at Doncaster last month, was switched back to hurdles and two miles, and needed to show all her talent and versatility to triumph in a tactical race.

"I've ridden some good horses in the past but she's one of the best," said Quinlan. "She went very easy through the race and jumped well, and as soon as I pressed the button she showed a great turn of foot.

"They did everything to try and beat her as she wants a good gallop and stays further but she battled all the way to the line.

"I had a bit of luck being in the right place at the right time. I've been riding out for Phil for the last two years and he's so loyal to his jockeys and I'm grateful to the owners [Jayne and Keith Sivills] for putting me up."

A four-day careless riding ban failed to take any shine off the victory for Quinlan, who has started to hit his stride again after a delayed start to the season.

The jockey, who rode a career-best 61 winners last season, was out of action for four months after breaking nine ribs, puncturing a lung and lacerating his liver in a schooling fall in June.

Takingrisks: Sean Quinlan is looking forward to riding him in the Randox Health Grand NationalCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

It is set to be a big year for Quinlan both on and off the track. He is eyeing what would be just his second ride in the Randox Health Grand National on last season's Scottish Grand National winner Takingrisks, while he is due to marry former amateur rider Lizzy Butterworth in September.

"It's taken a while to get going again after the fall in the summer but things are picking up and going well," said Quinlan. "With a bit of luck, Takingrisks could run a big race in the National and it would be great to be part of one of the biggest races in the world."

Watch Lady Buttons make it five wins in a row at Doncaster on Saturday

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