Improving Son Of Westerner Lands Novices Hurdle

Deluxe Range (5g Westerner - Kildea Cailin, by Anshan) appeared to appreciate a step up in trip when getting off the mark in Tuesday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Kelso.

The Sandy Thomson-trained bay finished second behind a smart type last month and stepped up to two miles and six and a half furlongs on his latest start. Ryan Mania positioned him in mid-division and made headway from four out, producing a strong challenge at the second last. Pushed along to lead at the final flight, he stayed on well to beat the favourite by two and three quarter lengths, with the pair drawing 25 lengths clear of the field.

Owned by Watson and Lawrence, Deluxe Range was previously placed in a point-to-point for Liam Kenny. The Michael Lynch-bred winner is a full-brother to Listed winning chaser Kupatana (Westerner).