Moyhenna Leads Home Westerner 1-2 At Punchestown

Moyhenna (7m Westerner - Moskova, by Montjeu) led home a 1-2 for Castlehyde Stud sire Westerner in Friday’s Grade B Francis Flood Mares Handicap Chase at the Punchestown Festival.

Trained and ridden by Denis Hogan, the mare carried a significant weight due to her 25 length win in a Grade 2 contest in mid-March. Like then, she made all of the running and came under pressure at the second last when challenged by Timeforwest (Westerner). Digging deep, she extended her advantage before the final fence and ran on well to score by four and a half lengths, while Timeforwest finished 10 lengths clear of the third horse.

Commenting after the race, Hogan said, “She didn’t get her ground but coped with it all the same. Hopefully she’ll be kept in training and we could have a crack at the Irish National next year. That’s the long term goal. For a novice to jump the way she does is worth ten lengths. When she got a bit of company she went on again.”

Hogan trains Moyhenna for owner/breeder Robert Hennelly and the same connections have achieved Grade 3 placing with Moyhenna’s half-sister Moskovite (Flemensfirth). Their dam, Moskova, won three Grade 3 chases in Hennelly’s colours.