Son Of Walk In The Park Wins On Hurdle Debut

The Willie Mullins-trained Roll Again (5g Walk In The Park - Olina, by Dounba) made a winning start to his hurdle career at Down Royal on Saturday.

Ridden by Gold Cup winning jockey Paul Townend, the bay chased the leader for much of the way and asserted approaching the third last, going clear on the run-in to beat Arthur’s Quay by three lengths and three quarters. Roll Again, who runs in the colours of Mrs Paul Shanahan and Mrs John Magnier, had previously finished second in a bumper last May.

Bred by Madam Liesbeth Ducos and Dr Allan Souchon, the winner was bought by Aiden Murphy for €140,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale. Willie Mullins is no stranger to his Grange Stud stallion, Walk In The Park, being responsible for such stable stars as Douvan and Min.