Son Of Walk In The Park Lands Back-To-Back Grade 1 Chases

Spillane’s Tower (6g Walk In The Park – In The Habit, by Duke Of Marmalade) doubled his Grade 1 winning tally when leading home a 1-2 for Walk In The Park in the Champion Novice Chase at the Punchestown Festival.

Jimmy Mangan’s stable star was last seen winning a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse and was sent off joint-favourite as he stepped up to an extended three miles on Tuesday. Settled at the back of the field by Mark Walsh, the bay improved to race in touch after three out and was pushed along to lead approaching the final fence. He was ridden out on the run-in to beat Monty’s Star (Walk In The Park) by three parts of a length, with another fix and a half lengths back to the third horse.

“We're dreaming now,” said Jimmy Mangan after the race. “He has something special. What an engine he's got and he's got class to burn.”

Tuesday marked a third Graded victory and fourth chase success for Spillane’s Tower, who is owned by JP McManus. The son of Grange Stud sire Walk In The Park was bred by Mrs Noreen McManus.