Impressive Novice Hurdler Completes Double For Westerner

The progressive Namib Dancer (6g Westerner - Derriana, by Snurge) made an impressive start to the season when running out a clear winner of Sunday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Wincanton.

Twice second over hurdles last season, the Emma Lavelle-trained bay was sent off favourite on return under James Bowen and raced towards the back of the field for much of the way. Making headway as they turned for home, he improved into second at the penultimate flight and led approaching the last, before striding clear to win by nine and a half lengths.

Owned by Mrs T Grundy with Dr, Mr and Mrs Davies, Namib Dancer was bred by D.A. Wishart.

No Memory (6m Westerner - Pass The Plate, by Commander Collins) completed the first leg of a double on the day for Castlehyde Stud resident Westerner when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Hurdle at Wexford.

Successful in a point-to-point last season, the William Coleman O’Brien-trained bay landed a maiden hurdle in August and was reunited with Ambrose McCurtin to gain her third career success. Racing towards the back of the field, she made headway into third at the third last and was travelling well approaching the second last. Ridden clear before the final flight, she kept on well on the run-in to win by a length and a half, as the second finished over nine lengths clear of the third.

Owned by Ms Mary O’Brien, No Memory was bred by Thomas Hanley out of a half-sister to Graded performer Makethe Mostofnow (Milan).