Novice Chaser Becomes Latest Graded Winner By Walk In The Park

Spillane’s Tower (6g Walk In The Park – In The Habit, by Duke Of Marmalade) finished strongly to beat the short-priced favourite in Sunday’s Grade 3 Novice Chase at Punchestown.

The Jimmy Mangan-trained bay shaped like a return to two miles and three furlongs would suit when striking late to win a two mile novice chase at the track last month. Reunited with Mark Walsh, he raced in touch with the leaders and was switched right to challenge after the second last. He stayed on strongly to lead on the run-in and was pushed out to beat Blood Destiny by two lengths, while the mare Silent Approach (Walk In The Park) finished a fine third.

Speaking after the race, JP McManus’ racing manager Frank Berry said, “The step up in trip suited him well. All his runs have been good and he's improving all the time. He learned a lot from winning over the sharp two miles here last time. He could easily step up in trip again.”

Bred by Mrs Noreen McManus, Spillane’s Tower gained his first win in a maiden hurdle last season. He becomes Walk In The Park’s second Grade 3 winner of the weekend, following Uncle Phil’s feature win on Saturday.