Son Of Walk In The Park Draws Clear On Hurdle Debut

Any Road (6g Walk In The Park - At Maggies Cross, by Oscar) gained a deserved maiden victory when running out a commanding winner on his hurdle debut at Clonmel.

The Edward O’Grady-trained bay placed behind some smart types in bumpers last season, including behind subsequent Graded performers James’s Gate and Blizzard Of Oz. Racing over two miles on his seasonal return, he was ridden prominently by Mark McDonagh and improved to lead from two out. He was travelling best of the field when clear at the final flight and kept on well to score by eight lengths.

“He jumped like a bird,” O’Grady said after the race. “I didn't expect him to run quite as well as that today because he was just ready for a run, but I was quite impressed. I thought he might be better over a trip but this race has superb prize money for a maiden hurdle and he was qualified for it, so I thought we better point him in that direction.”

On future plans, the owner/trainer continued, “I'll have to see where I go from here. It's a nice problem to have. It would be lovely if he could step up.”

Any Road was bred by Liam O’Regan out of a full-sister to dual Grade 1 winner At Fishers Cross.