Western Walk records impressive win in valuable novice handicap

Western Walk has really turned a corner since joining Jonathan Sweeney this season and made it two wins from as many starts for the Cork trainer when taking the €50,000 INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Handicap Hurdle Series Final in great style at Fairyhouse.

The Walk In The Park gelding struck the front two out under Michael O’Sullivan and asserted before the last before going on to score by an impressive seven lengths. Verdant Place took the runner-up spot with Seabank Bistro just a neck further back in third.

Sweeney said, “Since Christmas he’s really relaxed in himself and chilled out. He’s improving all the time and has done it very well.

“He’s entered in the Grade 1 three-mile (Irish Mirror) Novice Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival so we’ll have a chat with the owners and see.

“He handled that ground well today and hopefully he’ll be a nice chaser in time. He’s a half-brother to Churchstonewarrior so the family are lucky for me.”