A native of Monasterevin in County Kildare, Ronan Whelan is now considered as one of the leading jockeys in Ireland.

This diligent young rider doesn’t need to say much, his winning ratio the past season few seasons speaks for itself – his progress through the jockey ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary and he still appears to be getting better with each season that passes.

“Whelan is willing to learn and listen from anyone who has advice for him, perhaps that’s why he is excelling were others failed“.

Back in June 15^th,2016 - Whelan hit the headlines when partnering Jennies Jewel to land the Ascot Stakes Handicap; Numerous pundits already had him noted as a jockey going places fast before that aforementioned victory nevertheless everyone else sat up and took head of this former Irish champion apprentice on a more superior stage. Esteemed trainer Jim Bolger previously revealed that he intends to make Whelan his stable jockey on the retirement of Kevin Manning, although Whelan hasn’t been sitting around twiddling his thumbs waiting for Manning to hang up his boots, he has been pursing winners at any given chance, irrespective of the owner or trainer. He is a born winner and losing isn’t an option.

His first Group one success was accomplished when he won the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh racecourse when partnering the Patrick Prendergast-trained Skitter Scatter to triumph; I think from that massive achievement everyone has really taken Whelan seriously in Ireland beforehand that he was nestled in between immense figures in the Irish weigh-room but now he is on par with the utmost, even gaining ahead of them

His merger with trainer Michael Halford has paid great dividends thus far, in-particular at Dundalk Stadium; the twosome can do no wrong at that track. An influential stable like Halford’s behind Whelan can only be a good thing for the future. without any hesitation he is a future champion jockey in-waiting given his current level of progression.

Ronan Whelan is an unsung hero of the Irish weighing room.

Significant horses in his career (Selected): Skitter Scatter, Jennies Jewel, Opal Tiara, Divine, Custom Cut, Canary Row, The Tartan Spartan, Lady Wingshot, Clongowes, Moran Gra, Sea The Lion, Puncher Clynch, That’s Plenty, Atasari, Cest Notre Gris, Morga. 

Follow him on Twitter: @WhelanRonan