'I'm absolutely delighted' - Simon Whitaker celebrates first winner at Catterick

It was a Friday evening to remember for Simon Whitaker as he trained his first winner courtesy of Jill Rose in the 6f handicap at Catterick.

Whitaker was a long-time assistant to his father Richard and took over the licence this year, saddling his first runners last month with five of his first ten finishing second, third or fourth.

Jill Rose, owned by J W’s Wotafun Club, secured Whitaker’s landmark success under Phil Dennis, staying on stoutly for a two-length success.

Whitaker said: “I’m absolutely delighted, it meant a lot and everything went right for her. All our horses have ran well and we’ve been very pleased with them, but it’s good to get that first winner on the board.

“We quietly fancied her tonight, she’s really consistent and a great little mare.

“There’s never really a good time to take over the licence but Dad is 79 now and I’d been doing most the work for the last few years and dealing with our owners. It’s carried on as it was to a large extent but the buck stops with me now!”

Whitaker has 18 horses in training, including six two-year-olds, six-time Pontefract winner Round The Island and multiple winner Penny Pot Lane.

Read a selection of our Saturday previews . . .

3.20 Curragh: get the thoughts of Aidan O'Brien before Saturday's Irish 2,000 Guineas

2.45 Curragh: Glen Shiel bids to defy testing conditions in big sprint

3.35 Haydock: Graeme Rodway believes Sandy Lane favourite could be something special

4.10 Haydock: trainer record gives Liberty Beach and Keep Busy strong claims in Temple

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