Whearty rides first winner at his 'home' track

Robert Whearty enjoyed the first winner of his career on Pretty Little Liar at Bellewstown.

The pair contested the second division of the extended mile and a half handicap that concluded the eight-race card.

Pretty Little Liar chased the leaders in fourth outside the three pole and Whearty soon asked his mount to set off in pursuit of them.

The eight-year-old mare stormed to the front a furlong and a half from home but had Loudest Whisper attempting to make a race of it at the business end.

The latter looked dangerous in the final 150 yards but couldn't reel in the winner who kept going all the way to the line.

The 4/1 winner beat the 4/1 runner-up by a length and three parts. Fast Celt (5/2f) was 10 lengths adrift in third.

Whearty (17) said: “I live in Bellewstown so it’s great to ride my first winner here. I only got my licence about four weeks ago and I’m apprenticed to Gavin Cromwell who has been very good to me.”

Winning trainer David Dunne said: “Robert used to ride out for me and started when he was about 13. I’m delighted for him.

“He has a lot of experience from pony racing and is very strong in a finish for a 10lb claimer.

“His father, Thomas, is a great man and brings him everywhere. He bought him a simulator for Christmas about two years ago and you can see the dividends that has paid.

“This was her seventh attempt at Bellewstown. I used to come here as a child so this is special for me. I’d two winners here last year so I kind of aim them at it.

“She was 4lb lower on the grass than at Dundalk and with Robert’s 10lb claim I felt she had a good chance.

“She jumps a fence as well and could go over to England and compete at a lower level when everything opens up. That’s her fourth win so I’m delighted with her.”

The Stewards interviewed R. Whearty, rider of Pretty Little Liar, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who gave his evidence in the presence of Mr. Alan Delaney. The rider accepted that he was in breach of the frequency section of the whip regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found R. Whearty in breach of Reg.10. 3.(g)(frequency) and having taken his record into account suspended him for one race day.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee