€135,000 in prizes won at William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series finale

The inaugural William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series came to a close at Kilbeggan racecourse on Friday evening, with County Wicklow trainer Philip Rothwell landing the €50,000 top trainer’s prize.

Rothwell led the trainers’ standings throughout the series in pursuit of the €50,000 prize, which he secured by gaining up a further 23 points in the final five races.

Paul Nolan picked up the €25,000 prize for second place, edging out Oliver McKiernan who got €10,000 for third.

The battle to be top jockey went down to the wire, with Phillip Enright eventually landing the €10,000 prize after one winner and a third-place finish on the day. Tiernan Power Roche took second by a point to Daniel King, with the former picking up €5,000 while King earned €2,500 for his efforts.

Rothwell’s yard also finished top of the stable standings, landing a further €10,000 for his stable staff. Gavin Cromwell’s staff earned a €5,000 prize for second, with Gordon Elliott’s team picking up €2,500.

Speaking to William Hill, winning trainer Philip Rothwell said: “It’s been a brilliant series and I want to say a massive thanks to William Hill for putting it on. I’m delighted – It’s absolutely incredible and it’s huge for us. The €10,000 is also huge for the stable staff and I’m glad we could finish top in that as well. My own prize is wonderful, but the stable staff prize means a huge amount too. The yard is one big family, we work very hard together. The lads are brilliant, they always have my back and they work very hard for me.

“In terms of how we’ll spend the money… it’s already spent! We’ve a huge amount of facilities and we’re always trying to keep improving. What’s not spent already will be well spent on things that can help us to keep improving.”

Speaking to William Hill, winning jockey Phillip Enright said: “It’s a great initiative for us jockeys. The €10,000 prize is like the equivalent of me winning a Grade 1, so it’s brilliant. Oliver McKiernan was up there in the trainers’ standings which gave him an incentive to push on for it and I’ve been lucky with the support I’ve had for him and other trainers.”

Speaking to William Hill, Philip Rothwell’s head lad David Nolan said: “I’m very proud of the lads at home. A lot of work goes in and we’ve had a lot of cold, wet days this year, so the bonus is very welcome! There are a lot of early mornings and late nights and you really have to love it to do it.”