Useful Son Of Westerner Gains First Chase Success

Talented hurdler Castlebawn West (7g Westerner - Cooksgrove Lady, by Anshan) gained his first chase success in easy fashion at Fairyhouse on Wednesday.

The Willie Mullins-trained bay was highly-rated over hurdles and finished fourth in a Grade 2 contest at Fairyhouse last April. He made a promising chase debut over course and distance of two miles and five furlongs in November and as a result, was sent off second favourite under Mikey Fogarty. Chasing the leaders, he made progress from five out, disputing from the third last and led at the next. Eased clear approaching the final fence, he won by seven and a half lengths from Forza Milan (Milan).

Speaking after the race, the winning jockey commented, “He came on for his first run over fences and I thought he had a good chance today. His jumping was very good. He had a high hurdles mark so hopefully he can go on from this.”

Bred by Thomas Maher, Castlebawn West is owned by Mrs Rose Boyd, Mrs MJ Armstrong and JB Anderson.