Lisa Whelan landed her first Saturday metropolitan winner when Chiquada was successful at Moonee Valley.

The 28-year-old Irish-born apprentice had been successful at Wednesday metropolitan meetings but a lack of quality opportunities had prevented her saluting on a Saturday.

Riding the $5 chance Chiquada, Whelan drove hard on the mare to score in a deceptive photo by a nose from Coronation Shallan ($9) with Stella Lante ($4.20) a half-length away third.

Whelan had ridden 15 winners in Ireland and New Zealand before finding her way to Melbourne where she is apprenticed to Mick Kent.

Opportunities have been slim since arriving earlier in the year with Saturday's victory just her eighth from almost 200 rides.

"I've got no problems with my weight but I still find it hard to get rides so I have to thank Brian and the owners for giving me the opportunity," Whelan said.

"It's a big thrill and I have come close on a few occasions."

Whelan said she had been headed by the runner-up in the straight but her mare rallied again to score on the line.

She thought that she had won, but wasn't going the celebrate the victory too early.

With a liking for Moonee Valley, trainer Brian Jenkins said Chiquada was likely to return for black-type mares' races at the track in the autumn.

"She's got a great attitude this filly and it will take her to black type eventually," Jenkins said.