Apprentice Coen steers first winner for Dermot Weld

Apprentice jockey Ben Coen notched a notable first winner for trainer Dermot Weld at Dundalk this evening as he steered Days Without End to win the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Handicap.

Owned by American Colvin Ryan, Weld had previously indicated that the son of Dubai Destination would eventually race over jumps in America and today gained a first win on an all-weather surface when beating Dawn Trouper by a length and a quarter.

Coen, whose cousin Andrew Slattery earlier won on his own father Andy Slattery's Eacharn later commented “Mr Weld has been supporting me all season and it's great to be riding for trainers like him. That's my first winner for Mr Weld and I'm delighted. I've been in there every second Friday over the summer and it's a great place.

“He's a very nice man and I'm delighted to get a winner for him.

“I've had a great season and hopefully it keeps going.”

Regarding Days Without End, he said “he's improving and he always wanted two miles.

“It suited him today as we went a good even gallop. He quickened up off it well and did it well in the end. He loved the surface and I'd say he'll be back here.”

Quotes from Gary Carson