Nina Carberry says she would be fit enough to return to the saddle after making her Dancing with the Stars debut.
The former jockey was partnered up with pro dancer Pasquale La Rocca as the fifth series of the RTE hit show premiered last Sunday night.
Nina retired from the saddle after partnering the Enda Bolger-trained and JP McManus-owned Josies Orders to victory at the 2018 Punchestown Festival.
But the 37-year-old says she would now be able to ride even at bottom weight if she had to, which is 10st for National Hunt races.
She told The Racing Post: "I'm definitely not overweight anymore and I'd be fit enough to return to the saddle – I'd even ride one at bottom weight if I had to!"
Nina impressed during her first dance on the show, with viewers full of praise for her on social media afterwards.
"NINA! Best dance of the night." said one excited fan.
"That's a strong start for Nina" noted a second.
While a third praised the Meath native for how she acts away from the spotlight, tweeting: "Really rooting for Nina this year. She is such a genuine, lovely, hardworking gal. C'mon Nina you got this"
New judge Arthur exclaimed: "Oh Nina, you are definitely the dark horse of the night, that was beautiful. You said you are not girly? I completely disagree. The only thing I will say, work on your upper body...relax more, enjoy!"
But someone diagreed and said the 37-year-old "isn’t the ‘dark horse’ to win", adding "after that tonight, she’s the clear front runner".
Nina is the 5/2 favourite with Boylesports to win the competition.
Sarah Kinsella from the firm said: “Nina Carberry has dominated the horse racing world and now she is taking over the dancefloor.
"The former jockey topped the leaderboard with 19 points for her quickstep which has resulted in her odds shortening into the new 5/2 favourite from 7/2 to lift the Glitterball."
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