Walk In The Park Mare Becomes Cheltenham Favourite

Saturday saw Ashroe Diamond (6m Walk In The Park - Saine D’Esprit, by Dom Alco) lead home a 1-2 for Walk In The Park in the Grade 3 Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

A Grade 2 bumper winner last season, the Willie Mullins-trained mare made a successful start over hurdles in November and went on to be placed at Grade 1 level on her next two starts. Sent off favourite on Saturday, she chased the leaders under Danny Mullins and faced a wall of horse with two flights left to jump. Switched left to find a clear passage, she was ridden to lead after the last and ran on well to win by a length and a quarter. Recent Listed winner Jetara (Walk In The Park) finished second.

Saturday’s contest has previously been won by the likes of Laurina and Honeysuckle, and the latest winner is now favourite for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Ashroe Diamond carries the colours of the Blue Blood Racing Club and was bred by Mrs J M Mullins.