Son Of Westerner Continues Upward Curve

A Grade 1 tilt may now be on the cards for Due Reward (5g Westerner - Long Acre, by Mark Of Esteem) according to trainer Henry De Bromhead, after his charge won the two mile Rated Novice Hurdle by nine lengths at Punchestown.

Already twice a winner over hurdles, the Gigginstown House-owned bay had finished second last time out at the same track. With Rachael Blackmore aboard once again, Due Reward was ridden to chase the leaders for much of the way and asserted the advantage two from home, staying on strongly to the line, unchallenged.

De Bromhead commented after the win, “I'm delighted with that, that was really good. We may look at the good two-mile handicap hurdle, the 145, or a nice novice. He's also in the Grade 1 at Leopardstown. It's great to see him improving all the time.”

Bred by the Barrywhite Partnership, Due Reward was bought by Aidan O’Ryan at the Goffs Land Rover Sale for €42,000.