No Flies On Him (Westerner) Wins The Maiden Hurdle At Leopardstown

Son Of Westerner Impresses On Rules Debut At Leopardstown

No Flies On Him (4g Westerner – Zalda, by Zilzal) reproduced the promise of his point-to-point success when making a winning rules debut at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day.

The son of Westerner shaped like an exciting prospect when winning a four-year-old maiden at Knockanard for Derek O’Connor and enjoyed a form boost when the runner-up Jango Baie won his hurdle bow, and would later win a Grade 1 on Tuesday afternoon.

Now trained by Edward O’Grady, No Flies On Him was partnered by Mark Walsh in the two mile maiden hurdle and led for much of the way. Travelling best at the final flight, he was pushed out to win by a length and three quarters from £225,000 purchase D B Cooper (Getaway).

“We're absolutely thrilled with him,” O’Grady said. “I've had a lot of swans in the last few years and they've all turned out to be geese but I think this fella might stay a swan. He'll have to be entered in Grade 1s anyway and fingers crossed I think he might just get there.”

Owned by JP McManus, No Flies On Him was bred by Mr G Adair and Mr M O’Callaghan.