Jockey Whelan completes Dundalk double

Jockey Ronan Whelan completed a Dundalk double today, when steering Mary Bagot (6/1) to land the Dundalk Winter Series Leading Trainer & Jockey Championship Handicap for joint-trainers Tracey Collins and Michael Halford.

The Magna Grecia-filly had finished second on her two recent handicap runs and today shed her maiden tag, when bating Dandy Lichious by 2.25 lengths.

Whelan had earlier steered the Jack Davison-trained Bergamasco to win and following the her success Tracey Collins said "the horses have been running well, so it is great to get one on the board this year. Mary Bagot has had two solid runs and it was good to get her head in front.

"We had to step her up in grade because there was no 47-65, but she has handled it well. She is only a handful but she is honest and a trier. Ronan has given her a lovely ride, so I'm delighted for her owners (the Rogers family) who are great supporters of ours."

She added "the yard is busy and full, we have 60 horses in the yard and have 16/17 juveniles. It will be tricky for them early-on with this weather and ground but the season is coming towards us so we are looking forward to it."

Quotes from Michael Graham