Egan gains important win with Salam Alaykum

Salam Alaykum credited John Egan with his first success as a trainer when triumphing in his own hands in the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Handicap at Dundalk.

A veteran in the riding ranks at this stage, Egan (got a 1 day ban for excessive frequency with the whip) gave the Galileo horse a good forceful drive to hold off the unlucky in running Denny Crane (bidding to supply his trainer Eddie Lynam with a treble) by half a length.

A more than satisfied Egan remarked: "It's great to get off the mark as a trainer especially when it was for the boss (Khaled A Rahim from Bahrain). He bought a stud of 140 odd acres and he spent a good few quid on upgrading the facilities, including new boxes. He's built a pool too and a seven furlong gallop.

"He's got some nice mares, including one that's going to Frankel next week. She was placed in the Guineas for Mick Channon.

"I'm based next-door to Kevin Prendergast." (AM & EM)