Champion Bumper Success Continues Westerner’s Stellar Season

Ferny Hollow (5g Westerner – Mirazur, by Good Thyne) continued a terrific season for his sire when landing the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins’ charge benefitted from a hold-up ride by Paul Townend, who bided his time as his mount travelled well turning for home. Producing a challenge in the straight, he led inside the final furlong and ran on well to win by two and a half lengths from stablemate Appreciate It.

Ferny Hollow completed a Grade 1 double on the day for owners Cheveley Park Stud and will hope to provide them with another day to remember in the Champion Bumper at Punchestown.

Willie Mullins and agent Harold Kirk went to £300,000 for the son of Westerner following an impressive point-to-point victory for Colin Bowe. Bred by Kenneth Parkhill, he adds to a fantastic season for his Castlehyde Stud sire, who is also responsible for this season’s Thyestes Chase victor Total Recall, Grand National Trial winner Ifyoucatchmenow and recent Grade 2 scorer Captain CJ.