Son Of Sampers and Ronan Whelan left win for owner Nick Hartery and trainers Mick Halford Tracey Collins © Photo Healy Racing
Son Of Sampers came good at the seventh time of asking when proving too strong for less experienced rivals in the Mallow Maiden at Cork.
Trained by Michael Halford and Tracey Collins, the gelding finally got his head in front, having filled the runner-up spot on two of his previous six starts.
Well away in the centre of the track, Ronan Whelan had the Nicholas Hartery owned three-year-old in a prominent position throughout. Challenged by Jacks Gold over a furlong out, the eventual winner had to call on all his previous experience in order to prevail by half-a-length.
Son Of Sampers was the second winning favourite on the card, following the success of Mysteries in the opening race.
Tracey Collins said: "he is progressing, is going the right way and has started to strengthen.
He has a good page, Michael has always liked him, has given him time and has strengthened from race to race - hopefully he will continue to go forward. Sprinting is his forte."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
