More To Come From Westerner's Latest Winner

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Waterford Whispers (5g Westerner - Tara Belle, by Kayf Tara) justified strong market support to get off the mark in Saturday’s maiden hurdle at Galway.

Racing over two miles on his second start, the son of Westerner was ridden prominently by Mark Walsh and produced a challenge after the second last. He looked the likely winner when leading from the final fence and was eased down to score by a length and a half. The favourite Beau Walking (Walk In The Park) took third and finished clear of the rest of the field.

Waterford Whispers is owned by JP McManus, whose racing manager Frank Berry said, “He was green, will learn a bit and is a fine big horse who will make a chaser some day. It wasn't much of a race but it was a nice opportunity to get him started.”

Waterford Whispers is the first foal bred by Mrs Norah Ahern out of Tara Belle, who has a three-year-old gelding by Westerner to race.