Son Of Westerner Not For Catching In Grade 2 Novice Hurdle

Mirazur West (6g Westerner – Mirazur, by Good Thyne) made all to run out a commanding winner of Sunday’s Grade 2 Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding ran out an impressive winner of a maiden hurdle over course and distance in January, before taking third in a Grade 3 contest earlier this month. Partnered by regular rider Mark Walsh on Sunday, he boasted a clear advantage for much of the race and was ridden out on the run-in to win by four and a half lengths, with another three parts of a length back to stablemate Western Diego (Westerner) in third.

“It was a good performance,” Mullins later commented. “Mark changed tactics today and it seemed to make a big difference to the horse. He likes to jump and gallop and looks tailor made for novice chasing next year. We’ll look and see what’s left for him for the rest of the season.”

Mirazur West is owned by JP McManus, who also won the day’s feature Grade 1 with Spillane Tower (Walk In The Park). The novice hurdler was purchased privately following a promising debut for Ellmarie Holden, having been bought by Paul Holden and Michael Shefflin as a store for €160,000. Bred by Kenneth Parkhill, the son of Westerner is a full-brother to Mullins’ dual Grade 1 winner Ferny Hollow (Westerner).