Son Of Westerner Scores On Debut

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Anything Will Do (4g Westerner - Aylesbury Park, by Old Vic) made a perfect start to his racing career when landing Tuesday’s maiden hurdle at Listowel.

Shane Shortall donned the silks of the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate and rode the bay towards the back of the field, improving his position as they approached the third last flight. Taking second two from home, he led after the last and ran on to win by a length and a quarter.

Brendan Powell, assistant trainer to O’Brien, was encouraging after the race and said, “Anything Will Do has been away and worked nicely a couple of times. He was a bit green early but turning in he didn't look like he would be beat. He could be a very nice horse, you just never know.”

Bred by Miss Ann Twomey, Anything Will Do was bought at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale for €35,000 by Sarah O’Brien. The son of Westerner becomes the third winner from three runners out of the mare, her first foal being the twice Graded-placed Stand Up And Fight (Flemensfirth).