Walk In The Park Gelding Impresses On Chase Debut

Down Memory Lane (6g Walk In The Park – Credo Star, by Presenting) looks to have a bright future over fences, after making an impressive chase debut at Navan on Saturday.

Gordon Elliott’s charge faced some well-regarded rivals in the beginners chase, which had previously been won by Grade 1 winners Facile Vega (Walk In The Park) and Fakir d’Oudairies. The JP McManus-owned gelding jumped well as he made all under Mark Walsh and produced fine leaps at the last two fences, before skipping clear. The winning margin was seven lengths, as the multiple Grade 1-placed favourite King Of Kingsfield (Vadamos) claimed runners-up honours.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said: “I thought it was a very good performance there today, he jumped great and galloped the whole way to the line.”

On whether the Drinmore would be his next target, Elliott replied: “It might come a bit soon - obviously, I will have a chat with Frank (Berry) and the whole team and see.”

Down Memory Lane was purchased privately after making an impressive debut in a four-year-old maiden for Jonathan Fogarty, and went on to run his first two starts under rules, before placing in a Grade 1. Bred by Cathal Ennis, the son of Walk In The Park is a half-brother to nine-time winner Fringill Dike (Mahler).