Whelan takes dash lead at Western Fair

A five-win haul at Western Fair Raceway on Thursday vaulted Michael Whelan on top of the drivers’ leader board at the London, Ontario track and put him over the $5 million(C) mark in career earnings.

 

Going into Thursday’s card Whelan was tied for wins at Western Fair with Trevor Henry, but he put himself squarely on top thanks to his five trips to the winner’s circle. Putnam Fantasy provided him with his first photo opportunity as she converted a two hole trip into a 2:03.3 win over the track rated "good."

 

It was the third victory in five starts this season for the 9-year-old Island Fantasy mare owned by trainer Don Meekison Jr. of Shakespeare, Ont. Thursday’s effort put her over a quarter million in life earnings.

 

Whelan’s other winners were Vegas Girl (2:00.3), Seraglio (2:03), El Bucanero (2:07.4), a member of his father Walter’s stable, and Starbux Eden (2:06.2).

 

Whelan is off to a great start this year with 26 wins and $118,000 in earnings so far. Last year was his best season in the sulky to date with 164 total victories and $1.1 million in purses, the first time he’s cracked the million mark. Lifetime he shows 686 wins and his great showing today had him hit a career milestone of $5 million in earnings. (Western Fair)