Ronan Whelan continued his red-hot run of form when scoring on Ridhaz in the median auction maiden at Leopardstown for Michael Halford and Tracey Collins.

The Aga Khan-owned colt had been fourth on his sole run at Naas last season and was easy to back on his return this afternoon, going to post a 13/2 shot having been 3/1 this morning.

Whelan produced the son of Iffraaj to lead passing the furlong pole in the mile contest and he kept on well in the closing stages to post a length success over Rehearsal

“It was a lovely race for him. His run in Naas last year was a decent run and I thought the form of that worked out well,” said Halford.

“A mile on good ground, around here, was ideal for him today and it all worked out well. He settled, travelled well and picked up when he asked him.

“Ronan is riding out of his skin at the moment, riding with great confidence.

“It's only in the last two weeks that we've really started running our horses. We just had to wait for them and they are in good form, they are forward in themselves now.

“We'll see what the handicapper does with him and make a plan from there. He has plenty of size and scope.

“At home he wouldn't really show you that (pace), he's quite lazy. I seen it in Naas though and he's just a lovely big long striding laid-back horse.

“I'd be more inclined to go up in trip rather than back with him. He'll gets stronger as the year goes on and progress.”