Promising Son Of Westerner Strikes Late In Maiden Hurdle

Kingofthewest (6g Westerner - Other Salsa, by Kingsalsa) made a perfect start for new connections on Saturday when getting up late to win the maiden hurdle at Taunton.

The son of Westerner was purchased by David Pipe after finishing second on his sole start in a point-to-point for Donnchadh Doyle, with the third having since won over hurdles.

He was once of the most inexperienced in Sunday’s 14-strong field and was positioned in midfield by Fergus Gillard, who asked him to improve from three out. Producing a challenge two from home, he chased down the favourite approaching the final flight and kept on strongly to score by a neck on the line.

Bred by Patrick Cashman, Kingofthewest commanded €65,000 as a three-year-old and provides an important update for his three-year-old full-brother and two-year-old sister by Order Of St George.