Son Of Westerner Goes From Strength To Strength

An impressive front-running performance saw the Paul Nicholls-trained Truckers Lodge (7g Westerner - Galeacord, by Accordion) carry top weight to victory in the Novice Hurdle at Exeter on Tuesday.

Second in Grade 2 company last time out, the Gordon and Su Hall-owned bay returned to two miles and seven furlongs, with Lorcan Williams making full use of the bay’s stamina out in front. Dual bumper winner Unwin VC made a strong challenge at the third last, but Truckers Lodge could not be headed and was driven out to score by three parts of a length, with a further 13 lengths back to the third horse.

Harry Derham, assistant to Nicholls, later said, “Truckers Lodge is all about stamina as he will get four miles at some stage. He wants cut in the ground and the rain has come just at the right time - I would say he will have one more run this term and then go chasing next autumn.”

Truckers Lodge first showed his stamina at Ballindenisk, where the son of Westerner dead-heated in a four-year-old maiden for Batt O’Connell, finishing nine lengths clear of the field. Bred by Mrs Ann Hogan out of a dual point-to-point winner, he is the first winner out of his dam.