Whelan times it perfectly to make first ride at track a winner

Since dividing his attentions between riding over jumps and on the Flat, Trevor Whelan has made the most of his chances on the level and shone when bringing the George Baker-trained Manton Grange with a well-timed run to take the feature 7f handicap.

Whelan had not previously experienced the delights of Sunbury’s all-weather surface but that did not deter the rider as he settled the four-year-old, sporting cheekpieces for the first time, in the rear as they blazed a furious pace up front.

Turning for home the pair still had only daylight behind but Whelan galvanised the 16-1 chance with a winning run down the outside of the field, leading close home and quickly asserting over the running-on Intransigent for a three-length victory.