Promising Son Of Westerner Delivers On Return

Fortescue Wood (7g Westerner - Primrose, by Alflora) delighted connections on Wednesday when overcoming a long absence to win his first start over hurdles at Ayr.

Nick Alexander’s charge previously won a bumper over course and distance, where he was chased home subsequent Grade 1 winner Ahoy Senor (Dylan Thomas). Not seen since March of last year, he showed no ill effects as he made most of the running on return and jumped well throughout under Bruce Lynn. Keeping on well on the run-in, he scored by a length and a half, with another ten lengths back to the third.

“I was thrilled with Fortescue Wood,” Alexander said after the race. “I just wanted him to run a nice race so to win was brilliant. He won his bumper very well, obviously beating a subsequent Grade 1 winner, and now he's done that. We might well come back here under a penalty in the New Year. He ought to be a chaser.”

Owned by Bowen and Nicol, the son of Westerner was bred by Mrs DA Whitaker.