Talented Mare Kicks Off Double For Walk In The Park

Grade 2 bumper winner Ashroe Diamond (5m Walk In The Park - Saine D’Esprit, by Dom Alco) completed the first leg of a double for her sire when making a promising start over hurdles at Naas.

Willie Mullins’ charge was sent off favourite against the geldings in the maiden hurdle, with Paul Townend taking the ride on the mare’s first start since her Grade 2 success in April. The bay raced prominently throughout and was pushed along to challenge at the final flight. Ridden to lead on the run-in, she kept on well to beat Kansas City Star (Soldier Of Fortune) by a length and a quarter, with the pair finished over six lengths clear of the field.

Speaking after the race, assistant trainer David Casey said, “Ashroe Diamond was a little fresh but jumped very well and toughed it out at the end. She had been working well and jumping well.”

Ashroe Diamond carries the colours of the Blue Blood Racing Club and was bred by Mrs Jackie Mullins.

At Uttoxeter later that afternoon, Bowenspark (4g Walk In The Park - Bowenscourt, by Westerner) made a winning debut in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings.

The Henry Daly-trained newcomer was ridden by Charlie Deutsch in the two mile bumper, with the partnership having landed the opener with Supreme Gift (Getaway). Racing prominently, the bay showed his inexperience when asked to quicken and was pushed along from two furlongs out. Asserting before the final furlong, he kept on well to win by two and a quarter lengths.

The promising son of Walk In The Park was bred by Brittas House Stud and Grenane House Stud out of dual winner Bowenscourt (Westerner). Her Walk In The Park three-year-old was bought by Mags O’Toole for €75,000 at this year’s Land Rover Sale.