Westend Star and Barry Geraghty© Photo Healy Racing
Having developed in the hands of Fabian Burke and Donald McCain Westend Star is really blossoming now for Gordon Elliott, and he made it two from three since joining the Cullentra House handler in the W T O'Grady Memorial EBF Novice Hurdle at Thurles.
The strongly-backed 4/5 favourite for this two and three quarter miler, the Paul and Clare Rooney owned hope only had Arkwrisht to concern him from the third last.
Arkwrisht represents Gigginstown House Stud and Willie Mullins, and their other runner, Monbeg Rose (the mount of Bryan Cooper) eventually pulled up having weakened from well before the straight.
At the business end the Barry Geraghty ridden Westend Star got the better of the Ruby Walsh partnered Arkwrisht, approaching the last, on the way to a seven and a half length win.
"He's a big galloping horse but Barry said when he was on his own he was a bit idle," revealed Elliott.
"He was doing his best work after the second last and home and he is a grand horse; we'll see what happens."
B.J. Cooper, rider of Monbeg Rose trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly and made a bad mistake at the second last before being pulled up.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Monbeg Rose, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(TW & EM)
