Trainer Philip Rothwell set to win €50,000 William Hill prize

The inaugural William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series comes to a close at Kilbeggan racecourse on Friday evening, with Philip Rothwell in line to land the €50,000 top trainers’ prize. 

Philip Rothwell has maintained a strong lead in the trainers’ standing from the off, amassing a 55-point lead over second-placed Paul Nolan heading into the final five races. Nolan is in pole position to land the €25,000 prize for second, but Oliver McKiernan, Ross O’Sullivan and Patrick Foley are all within an attainable 25 points.

The jockeys’ table has been ever-changing, but it’s Phillip Enright who heads to Kilbeggan with two-point lead from Daniel King. Tiernan Power Roche and Simon Torrens are both still in with a real chance of finishing in top spot too.

The bigger Irish yards are eligible to earn points for the competition which offers a €10,000 for stable staff, and William Hill ambassador Gavin Cromwell currently sits just 18 points back from Rothwell there, with Gordon Elliott filling third spot. 

Head of Marketing for William Hill, Andrew McCleave, said: “The William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series has provided a great storyline for Irish racing at every level this season, offering an opportunity for those smaller yards to compete for the type of prize money that usually only the biggest yards are used to seeing. 

“We set out with the IRTA (Irish Racehorse Trainers Association) to devise a series that would have a positive impact on the heart of grassroots racing, so we’re delighted to see how the series has played out.

“It has been great to see those trainers supporting the series with large fields throughout the season, and it all comes to a head at Kilbeggan on Friday, where there were over 200 horses initially entered across our four sponsored races there. It’s sure to be an exciting end to what has been a great series, with €135,000 up for grabs!

Feidhlim Cunningham, CEO of the Irish Racehorse Trainers Association, added: “It has been a brilliant series throughout the season and has added a real buzz to grassroots racing in Ireland. Every race has been strongly supported and we are thrilled with how it has worked out. 

“A huge thanks to William Hill for their support and it shows what can be achieved together. The €50,000 top prize for the leading trainer is a substantial pot, equivalent to earning more than €700,000 in gross prizemoney. We are really looking forward to the final day in Kilbeggan this Friday. With 5 series races on the card, there's still plenty at stake for trainers, their riders and stable staff."