Terrific Run Continues For Walk In The Park

Ginto (5g Walk In The Park - Tina Rederie, by Cadoudal) continued a terrific weekend for Walk In The Park when making an impressive hurdle debut at Navan on Sunday.

Bought by Bective Stud for €470,000 after drawing clear in a four-year-old maiden at Tattersalls, the Gordon Elliott-trained bay was last seen winning a Navan bumper in similar fashion in February. Sent off a short-priced favourite on return, he was ridden to make all by Jack Kennedy and was pushed to go clear from the second last. Keeping on well, he won by five and a half lengths with ease.

Elliott confirmed his charge won in effortless fashion, later commenting, “Jack said it was like a piece of work for him.”

Shortly after at Damma House, Sporting Mike (4g Walk In The Park - Kates The Boss, by Coroner) struck late to land the four-year-old maiden under Brian Lawless. Chasing the leaders for much of the way, the Matthew Flynn O’Connor owned and trained gelding produced a strong challenge at the final fence and kept on well to lead by a head on the line. Connections now hope to sell Sporting Mike, who was bred by Declan Phelan.

Sunday’s success followed a super Saturday for Grange Stud sire Walk In The Park, who enjoyed a four-year-old double courtesy of impressive newcomers Bellatior and Monbeg Park.

Sentiments were echoed in the sales ring, with a son of Walk In The Park topping the opening session of the Tattersalls Ireland November NH Sale. Sunday’s highest price of €85,000 was provided by Adrian Costello for a yearling gelding offered by Walshtown Stables on behalf of Edmond Coleman.

“It’s all about Walk In The Park, he’s the top one around at the moment,” Costello commented after signing the docket. “This horse has a top pedigree; he’s definitely the finest yearling here today. He’s a bit special, a lovely big horse and an athlete all day long.”