Johnny Ward on Patrick Kiely's first winner - 'He loves the game' Dromana Mist provided Co Waterford-based Patrick Kiely with a first winner on Saturday, landing Wexford’s opening Wexford Racecourse Mares Maiden Hurdle under the trainer’s cousin jockey Dylan Whelan. Carrying the colours of Sara Kiely, the twice-raced four-year-old daughter of Poet’s Word raced behind the leaders and having led at the second-last, finished well to beat Lady Fromentro by 2.75 lengths. Kiely just getting started Kiely said after the triumph: “I’m in Stradbally, Co. Waterford so use the beach every day. “She was rolling and bucking so I said I’d declare her and see. Today’s race was perfect and she qualifies for the Weatherbys bonus, so this is a fair pot. “I’d have 12 to 15 horses in the whole time, four or five pre-trainers and a couple for the track. “A nice few owners have come back to me recently, I have had the licence since last year and I’m only getting going.” The Irish Angle team of Johnny Ward, Emma Nagle and Paddy Flood discussed the victory on this week's show. Comeback for Whelan Johnny Ward who was reporting live from the track for Racing TV said: “I was definitely aware that trainer Paddy Kiely could be having a first winner, because Dromana Mist had a chance. “When she won, I went to interview the trainer, but the jockey came first, Dylan Whelan. “I have to say I had completely forgotten about his backstory. Dylan's in his mid-twenties, and he hadn't had a winner in about two years, having been suspended and going through a tough time off the track. “As I'd say to anyone - show me anyone at Wexford races on a Saturday and I'll show you somebody who's made a mistake in life. “Dylan is related to Paddy Kiely, and Paddy was just great afterwards - his first winner, he loves the game. “Paddy Flood then texted me afterwards to say he'd never played on a football pitch with a man harder than Paddy Kiely! There's always a connection back somewhere. “I think Gary Craven is his age, and there are any number of jockeys who've had chequered experiences they've had to learn from. “Dylan has plenty of experience himself - he just looks like a jockey who needs a second chance." Watch the Irish Angle in Full
