Son Of Westerner Proves As Talented Over Hurdles

Dual bumper winner Ribble Valley (6g Westerner - Miss Greinton, by Greinton) transferred his talent to hurdling when impressing on his seasonal return at Hexham on Friday.

The Nicky Richards-trained bay was sent off favourite for the two mile Novices’ Hurdle and chased the leader for much of the way under Brian Hughes. Leading from three out, he drew clear from the second last and won by nine lengths with ease.

Friday marked a third win from just four starts for the David Wesley Yates-owned winner, which bodes well for his full-brother who sold for €90,000 to Aiden Murphy at this year’s Derby Sale. Bred by Pat and Oliver McCarthy, he is a half-brother to multiple winners Gran Torino (Milan) and Alla Svelta (Milan).