Sefton Aim For Exciting Son Of Walk In The Park

Giovinco (6g Walk In The Park - Whyalla, by Bandari) made it two from two under rules with another clear-cut win in Sunday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Carlisle.

Sourced by Lucinda Russell after winning a five-year-old maiden for Michael Griffin, the son of Walk In The Park drew 11 lengths clear on stable debut earlier this month and was sent off favourite to follow up on Sunday. Ridden to make all by Stephen Mulqueen, he was shaken up to draw clear from the second last and was eased down on the run-in to score by nine lengths.

Speaking after the race, Lucinda Russell said, “Giovinco is a lovely, lovely horse. He'll have an entry in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle and the two-and-a-half-mile race at Aintree.”

Bred by Colm Griffin, the exciting prospect kicked off a double on the card for Walk In The Park, with Rob Roy Macgregor (5g Walk In The Park - Miss Baloo, by Brian Boru) later making a winning debut in the bumper.

The Sandy Thomson-trained newcomer was sent off favourite under Ryan Mania, who rode the bay to chase the clear leader. Ridden approaching the two furlong marker, he ran on well to lead a furlong from home and stayed on to score by a length and a half.

Owned by Quona Thomson and Ken McGarrity, Rob Roy Macgregor was bred by Kieran Cotter out of a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Drumbaloo (Flemensfirth).