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Whelan’s Derby success shows hard work can pay dividends
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 7 Jun 2026
Derby-winning jockey Ronan Whelan demonstrates exactly what can be achieved by persistence, self-belief and hard work, according to a Ballydoyle insider.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong, speaking at Navan on Sunday, said victory in the Epsom Classic for Christmas Day and Whelan had given the whole yard a “massive buzz”.
Armstrong believes Whelan’s ascent from work rider to Classic winner showed everyone at Ballydoyle that opportunities are given to those who earn the respect of boss Aidan O’Brien.
“Any time you get a big-race win like that, the following morning there is always a massive buzz around the stable,” Armstrong said. “You could feel the atmosphere amongst everyone there this morning. It was fantastic.
“I think Ronan started with us in February 2025 and he is in four mornings a week with us. He is a great work rider to have, he’s a great part of the team. He puts his head down and works away.
“In fairness, when things went quiet with him with Mick Halford finishing up, he picked up the phone and asked about coming down.
“There were no guarantees but, it is like anyone, if they put their head down and they work, Aidan will give them their opportunities. Any opportunity he has been given, he has taken it with both hands.”
Christmas Day became O’Brien’s 50th Classic winner and the 12th time he has provided the victor of the Group One contest on the Surrey Downs.
Whelan was a ninth different jockey on an O’Brien winner despite only starting his association with the yard two years ago.
Ryan Moore, who was on the ‘non-runner’ favourite Benvenuto Cellini on Saturday, has ridden three of those winners, but has now chosen the wrong horse in the last two runnings.
Joseph O’Brien rode two of the dozen winners with Michael Kinane, Johnny Murtagh, Padraig Beggy, Seamie Heffernan, Emmet McNamara, Wayne Lordan and now Whelan each riding one winner of the Classic.
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