Bates records first winner at Wexford Wexford native Declan Bates recorded his first winner when Mount Welcome landed the Coolcotts Handicap Hurdle. The 21 year-old got the 14/1 shot up close home to complete a double for trainer Philip Rothwell. Bates joined the Rothwell stable only three weeks ago. He has had five rides for the winning trainer and will have his full conditional license in early August. Winning trainer Rothwell said afterwards, “I’m delighted for Declan he’s a good kid. I was looking for a good seven pound claimer who could claim off 9-10 and so I put the call out and got in touch with Declan and it’s worked out well.” Rothwell also revealed, “We will give him a little break now and go for another handicap hurdle before we put him out. He’s a Summer horse and I think he’s still a bit backward."
