Smart Son Of Westerner Takes Beginners Chase

Black-type hurdler Western Ryder (7g Westerner - Seesea, by Dr Massini) continues to improve with every run over fences and gained his maiden chase success at Ludlow on Monday.

Graded-placed over hurdles on three occasions and a Listed bumper winner, he finished third on his first two attempts over fences. Racing over two and a half miles, Daryl Jacob rode him to chase the leaders and asked him to challenge from three out. Leading at the second last, he kept on to win by three lengths and three quarters.

Trainer Warren Greatrex and Highflyer Bloodstock sourced Western Ryder for €40,000 as a store and he now runs in colours of Albatross Club, Bryan Drew and friends. Bred by Longrove Stud, a full-brother to the son of Westerner sold to Joseph O’Brien for €72,000 at last year’s Derby Sale.