Sunday Double Continues Fine Run For Westerner

Westerner’s fine season continued over the weekend, as Martinhal (5g Westerner -Gweedara, by Saddler’s Hall) completed a Sunday double for the Castlehyde Stud sire in the bumper at Huntingdon.

Purchased privately after making his point-to-point debut for Aidan Fitzgerald, the bay had clearly impressed his new handler David Pipe, as he was sent off favourite for his first start for owner Mrs Lynne Maclennan. Tom Scudamore rode him in a prominent position, taking the lead from three out and soon went clear. He scored by a comfortable three lengths, the field strung out behind him.

Martinhal was bred by Mrs A Young and provides a nice update for his full-brother purchased by Aidan Fitzgerald at last year’s Derby Sale. The pair are out of a half-sister to talented chasers Hey Big Spender and Miss Orchestra.

Earlier in the day at Borris House point-to-point, the Colin Bowe-trained newcomer Amarillo Sky (4g Westerner – Bag Of Tricks, by Flemensfirth) produced a faultless round of jumping to win the Four-Year-Old Maiden.

Barry O’Neill rode him to lead with a mile left to race and the bay was never headed, despite the strong challenge produced by Tag Man (Fame And Glory). Amarillo Sky prevailed by three parts of a length, as the leading pair finished 15 lengths clear of the third horse.

The winner will now head to the Cheltenham Festival, though it is the sales ring that beckons for him. Bred by Mrs Amy Collins, the son of Westerner is out of a full-sister to point-to-point winner Ashtown Lad (Flemensfirth) and four-time winner Beg To Differ (Flemensfirth).