Whaileyy kept up the recent good work of trainer Michael Halford and stable jockey Shane Foley with a first winner for the yard, in the opening www.dundalkstadium.com Claiming Race at Dundalk this evening.

Formerly a three-time winner when trained by Sir Michael Stoute and Marco Botti, the son of Holy Roman Emperor quickened to lead over a furlong out before staying on well for a half length win over Dashwood

Seven out of eleven of Halford's latest flat runners have now won and following on from a four-timer at the track last Friday, the trainer stated “his last run was encouraging; he had lost his way a bit but I was happy with his last run.

“He's probably not the horse he used to be but he does his best and is honest and tries.

“It's nice to win with him as it gives these older horses confidence and it's my first winner for the owner (Ibrahim Rachid), who is from Saudi Arabia.”

Foley meanwhile, was recording his ninth win in a fortnight, having recorded a treble (Leopardstown) and four-timer (here) on his previous racing days.

Third placed Akasaka was claimed (for E9,000) by Barry Potts, sixth placed Bad News Bear claimed (E5,000) by Kevin Ross while Helen's Armada was claimed back by her trainer Pat Shanahan.

By Thomas Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson