Ferny Hollow Completes Impressive Westerner Treble

Grade 1 Champion Bumper winner Ferny Hollow (6g Westerner - Mirazur, by Good Thyne) overcame a long lay-off to make a winning chase debut at Punchestown on Sunday.

The Kenneth Parkhill-bred son of Westerner earned a lofty reputation and £300,000 price tag when impressing on his sole start for Colin Bowe and rewarded Willie Mullins and Cheveley Park Stud with his aforementioned top-flight success. Successful on his hurdle debut last November, but absent since, he was sent off favourite for his chase debut under Patrick Mullins. Making most of the running, he went clear on the run-in to score by four lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “For a horse having only the sixth race of his career, I was very impressed with Ferny Hollow.” On future plans, he added, “We'll look for a nice novice chase now. We'll see how he comes out of this race before we make a plan but the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown would certainly be on his agenda if it doesn't come too soon.”

Mullins also enjoyed a successful day at Cork, where Dysart Dynamo (5g Westerner - Dysart Dancer, by Accordion) ran out an ultra impressive winner of the two mile maiden hurdle under Sean O’Keeffe.

Two from two in bumpers, Eleanor Manning’s homebred was sent off favourite to extend his unbeaten record on hurdle debut and success never looked in doubt. Making all of the running, he went clear from the penultimate flight and was eased down to win by 19 lengths.

Assistant trainer David Casey later commented, “He was doing it so easily he didn't realise how far in front he was.”

Hot Rod Lincoln (5g Westerner - Flaming Annie, by Flemensfirth) emerged as an exciting prospect that same afternoon at Corbeagh House, where he drew clear in the five-year-old geldings maiden.

Ben Harvey rode the newcomer to make all, crossing the line eight lengths clear of a strung out field. Bred by Miss Catriona Tully, the Riceal Dunne-trained bay will now be sold.