Th Big Westerner puts in a classy performance on memorable day ...

16 hours ago

Racing Post

On a memorable day across all cards for Henry de Bromhead, the performance of unbeaten mare The Big Westerner stood out as a convincing winner of the feature Grade 2 Lyons Of Limerick-sponsored Novice Hurdle.

Put straight into Graded company after winning a maiden hurdle at Punchestown and upped in trip too, it proved no issue for her as she stayed on strongly off a muddling gallop to win by four and a quarter lengths from Mozzies Sister and Minella Sixo.

It was De Bromhead's fourth winner of the day after a double at Down Royal and a winner at Leopardstown, and Paddy Power cut her to 12-1 from 25s for the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle.

Winning rider Darragh O'Keeffe said: "She is a classy mare and shows plenty of gears. I was cantering turning in and and I thought she quickened up really well coming to the second-last. She has plenty more to offer. On soft ground I would say she will have no problem coming back in trip. She stays well but has plenty of gears."

McNamara rolls back the years

The form of Eric McNamara's horses since the beginning of the summer has been excellent and a double at his local festival was a reminder of a landmark date in the career of the Rathkeale trainer.

McNamara trained the first winner of his career when For Jon was successful at the 1984 Limerick Christmas festival, run then at the old city centre Greenpark venue, and arguably this is the most consistent run of form his horses have been in, highlighted by the performance of the diminutive Millstream Lady in the mares' handicap hurdle.

Having been second to Phils Choice in the race last year, the same two mares came to the final flight filling the first two spots, but in the hands of trainer's son Conor, Millstream Lady was not to be denied as she turned the tables.

"To carry 11-12 for a mare her size was a great performance," said the trainer. "She is a tough little mare and is still improving. She can go up in grade off a lower weight, and she can step up in trip too."

Dream ending for Park

Good luck can be as important as good form, and McNamara got that when 7lb claimer Calum Hogan partnered Dream In The Park to win the 2m1½f handicap chase.

He was about a length off the strong-travelling leader Thelonglad coming to the second-last, but the leader ploughed through it and came down, leaving the winner in a clear lead which he did not relinquish, despite idling from the last. It was Hogan's first winner over fences.

"He jumps well and was better handicapped over fences than over hurdles, so we decided to try it," said McNamara. "We schooled him the other day at home and he jumped particularly well. Calum gave him a good ride and his 7lb claim is invaluable. He looked to me like he was coming to challenge at the second-last, although the other horse was travelling a bit easier."