Son Of Westerner Lands Peter Marsh Chase

The evergreen Wakanda (10g Westerner - Chanson Indienne, by Indian River) produced a late challenge to land the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock on Saturday.

Ridden to track the leaders by Danny Cook, Sue Smith’s charge began to progress from three out and dug deep to gain the lead on the run-in, staying on well to beat Robinsfirth (Flemensfirth) by a length and three quarters. Cook commented after the win, “He's a very good stayer who jumps great and travelled great today. He's got a great attitude, and did it well.”

Saturday marked a ninth career victory for Wakanda, with six of those coming at Listed or Graded level. His maiden victory came over hurdles for Tom Taaffe, before being sold to current connections, and is now owned by Mrs M B Scholey. Bred by Bluegate Stud, he is closely related to Galway Plate victor Shanahan’s Turn.

Westerner stands for a fee of €6,000 at Castlehyde Stud.