Son Of Westerner Lands Valuable Chase On Return

Keeper Hill (8g Westerner - You Take Care, by Definite Article) dug deep to win on his seasonal return in Saturday’s valuable Graduation Chase at Haydock.

A Grade 2 novice chase winner as a six-year-old, the Warren Greatrex-trained bay returned to hurdles last season, over which he won and was Grade 3 placed. Saturday also marked a drop back in trip, with Adrian Heskin waiting until after the third last to produce a challenge, his mount rallying to lead at the final fence. Digging deep to fend off a challenge by Midnight Shadow, he prevailed by half a length on the line.

After the race, Greatrex described Keeper Hill as “seriously talented,” adding, “He did well over hurdles but he's a chaser, who stays very well.” Owned by the McNeill Family, the now eight-time winner was bought by his trainer and Highflyer Bloodstock for £110,000 after winning a bumper for Ronnie O’Leary. The son of Westerner was bred by Mrs Sharon Ryan out of a half-sister to dual Grade 1 winner Shattered Love (Yeats).