Tecumseh Sherman© Photo Healy Racing
Owner/breeder Eamonn Duignan was on the mark with homebred Tecumseh Sherman for trainer Pat Martin, in the concluding Down Royal Corporation INH Bumper at Downpatrick today.
Ridden by Declan Lavery, the son of King's Theatre made all when beating runner-up Arakan Quest comfortably by four and three parts of a length.
William Tecumseh Sherman was the Commanding General of the United States Army for much of the 19th century, and the today's winner of that name is a half-brother to owner Duignan's Grade 1 winning novice chaser and Pierce Hurdle victor Barker.
Afterwards Martin said "he's bred by Eamonn (Duignan, owner) himself and is a half brother to Barker.
"He just had little niggly issues all his life and he has only come right this year and he probably needed time to mature.
"He has a very good attitude and stays really well and he is a helluva jumper, so we are looking forward to him going hurdling.
"This was probably going to be his last chance in a bumper.
"We felt we didn't get the best out of him in Bellewstown, we should have made more use of him. He has thrived since his last run.
"Declan (Lavery) said he loved the ground today. We know he goes on fast ground. I think the test of stamina was the whole thing, he said he was always in his hands.
"I'd say we will see the best of him over two and a half miles."
Quotes from Michael Graham
