Son Of Walk In The Park Returns To Winning Ways

Monday saw Choungaya (8g Walk In The Park - Autorite, by Roakarad) gain a first win over fences when leading home a 1-2 for connections in the Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.

Graded-placed over hurdles, Joseph O’Brien’s charge finished a close second to Tornado Flyer (Flemensfirth) on his chase debut and claimed runners-up honours once again on his seasonal return in November. He was sent off second favourite for the two mile and five furlong test on heavy ground and raced close to the leaders under Rachael Blackmore. Jumping well throughout, he was pushed along approaching the penultimate fence and led from the last, keeping on strongly to score by a length.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer Brendan Powell said, “Rachael said they didn't go a great gallop early and it turned into a sprint which probably wouldn't suit him as he stays well. He ran in the Paddy Power last time and you can get good experience from those races. He's a lovely jumper.”

Gigginstown House Stud owned the first two horses home on Monday, while S Verrier, D Retif and V Retif were responsible for breeding the winner. The son of Walk In The Park was sold by Liss House as a three-year-old for €165,000.