Impressive Westerner Mare Could Be Anything

Vicki Vale (5m Westerner - Byerley Sophie, by Flemensfirth) emerged as an exciting prospect when running out a wide margin winner of the mares’ maiden hurdle at Hereford on Tuesday.

The daughter of Westerner was making her first start for Dan Skelton, having been purchased privately following a close second to the more experienced Criquette on debut for Aidan Fitzgerald. Well-supported on her first run since December, she made most of the running under Harry Skelton and held a clear lead from two out. She crossed the line at a canter, 17 lengths clear of the field.

“Vicki Vale could be anything,” the winning trainer later commented. “When Love Envoi won at Cheltenham I texted Harry Fry and said I love the attitude of Westerners. I'd even say I bought this mare because of Love Envoi's success. She had a nice bit of point-to-point form too and she looks very, very good.”

Owned by Bullen-Smith and Faulks, Vicki Vale was bred by Byerley Stud out of a full-sister to Grade 1 winner Muirhead (Flemensfirth).