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Pat Whelehan
Pat Whelehan
Article by Alan Trout
Article by Alan Trout
Patrick Dennis Whelehan rode three winners over jumps during the first half of 1957, then added one more three years later.
Patrick Dennis Whelehan rode three winners over jumps during the first half of 1957, then added one more three years later.
He had his first ride on French Squadron, trained by Arthur Thomas, at Newbury on January 12, 1957, finishing fifth in the Farringdon Handicap Hurdle. The pair improved on that in the next outing, coming third and Windsor on February 3, then on their third start together they won the Bath Road Handicap Hurdle back at Newbury on March 9. The margin of victory was only a head, with Bill Rees, rider of the runner-up Royal Result, lodging an objection for crossing at the last flight of hurdles, but this was overruled.
He had his first ride on French Squadron, trained by Arthur Thomas, at Newbury on January 12, 1957, finishing fifth in the Farringdon Handicap Hurdle. The pair improved on that in the next outing, coming third and Windsor on February 3, then on their third start together they won the Bath Road Handicap Hurdle back at Newbury on March 9. The margin of victory was only a head, with Bill Rees, rider of the runner-up Royal Result, lodging an objection for crossing at the last flight of hurdles, but this was overruled.
Seven days later the combination scored again when taking the March Long-Distance Handicap Hurdle at Hurst Park, this time by three-quarters of a length. They failed by half a length to land the treble when finishing second in the Oak Open Long-Distance Hurdle at Sandown Park’s Grand Military meeting on March 22, despite receiving 30lb from the winner Didoric, the mount of Michael Scudamore.
Seven days later the combination scored again when taking the March Long-Distance Handicap Hurdle at Hurst Park, this time by three-quarters of a length. They failed by half a length to land the treble when finishing second in the Oak Open Long-Distance Hurdle at Sandown Park’s Grand Military meeting on March 22, despite receiving 30lb from the winner Didoric, the mount of Michael Scudamore.
Pat had his third winner when King Johnny, the outsider of three, took the Axbridge Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton on Easter Monday, April 22 for Trowbridge-based owner-trainer Arthur Gadd. The pair were gaining consolation for a short head defeat at Taunton nine days earlier.
Pat had his third winner when King Johnny, the outsider of three, took the Axbridge Handicap Hurdle at Wincanton on Easter Monday, April 22 for Trowbridge-based owner-trainer Arthur Gadd. The pair were gaining consolation for a short head defeat at Taunton nine days earlier.
Pat did not hold a licence for the next two seasons but returned to action in the 1959/60 campaign and managed one winner from just ten rides. This came when the seven-year-old Clyde Pilot, trained by Vernon Cross, beat 27 rivals to land the Jaunt Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) at Wincanton on January 21, 1960, beating Michael Scudamore on Superfine by a short head. Superfine was subsequently acquired by Sir William Pigott-Brown, who won several chases on him including the 1961 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and the following year’s Crudwell Cup at Warwick.
Pat did not hold a licence for the next two seasons but returned to action in the 1959/60 campaign and managed one winner from just ten rides. This came when the seven-year-old Clyde Pilot, trained by Vernon Cross, beat 27 rivals to land the Jaunt Novices’ Hurdle (Division 1) at Wincanton on January 21, 1960, beating Michael Scudamore on Superfine by a short head. Superfine was subsequently acquired by Sir William Pigott-Brown, who won several chases on him including the 1961 National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and the following year’s Crudwell Cup at Warwick.
Pat’s final ride was also at Wincanton when Chantail was unplaced in the 26-runner Fonthill Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) on March 31, 1960.
Pat’s final ride was also at Wincanton when Chantail was unplaced in the 26-runner Fonthill Novices’ Hurdle (Division 2) on March 31, 1960.
Pat Whelehan’s winners were, in chronological order.
Pat Whelehan’s winners were, in chronological order.
1. French Squadron, Newbury, March 9, 1957
1. French Squadron, Newbury, March 9, 1957
2. French Squadron, Hurst Park, March 16, 1957
2. French Squadron, Hurst Park, March 16, 1957
3. King Johnny, Wincanton, April 22, 1957
3. King Johnny, Wincanton, April 22, 1957
4. Clyde Pilot, Wincanton, January 21, 1960
4. Clyde Pilot, Wincanton, January 21, 1960
Pat Whelehan's first winner, French Squadron
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