Grade 2 Success Continues Terrific Season For Westerner

The Irish Grand National is now on the agenda for Captain CJ (9g Westerner - She’s So Dainty, by Great Commotion), after the Dermot McLoughlin-trained bay captured Sunday’s Grade 2 Novice Chase at Navan.

A four-time winner between the flags, he had been placed on four of his previous five starts over fences, including when most recently finishing a close second to Minella Indo over course and distance. He chased the leaders under Conor Maxwell and was driven to challenge from the second last, leading at the final fence. Staying on well on the run-in, he scored by six lengths.

Speaking after the race, McLoughlin commented, “He is a grand, honest horse and tries hard so that's half the battle. I said to his owner at the start of the year that I'd love to finish the year in the Irish National and this is a nice pot to get so we'll go from here.”

Owned by Mrs Fidelma Toole, Captain CJ was bred by Mrs M O’Neill and continues an excellent season for Castlehyde Stud resident Westerner. The sire of recent Thyestes Chase victor Total Recall commands €6,000 this season.