SHANE Kelly looks properly pleased as he made the most of another prized mount in the absence of Ben Coen, riding Earlswood to land the Group 3 Fitzdares Royal Whip Stakes for owner Glyn Davies and trainer Johnny Murtagh at the Curragh last week.

According to the Curragh, last year 2020 marked the 200th running of the Royal Whip which is believed to be Ireland’s oldest continuously run horse race. The race was established in 1821 and was named after its accompanying prize, a gold-handled whip which was presented by King George IV. This original prize was replaced by another whip which was presented by King William IV in 1830.