Walk In The Park Mare Draws Clear To Maiden Win

Broomfield Bijou (5m Walk In The Park - Aure Antique, by Network) enjoyed a change of fortune on Friday to run out a clear winner of the Mares Maiden Hurdle at Ballinrobe.

The Philip Dempsey-trained bay was hampered by a faller last time out and raised the question of what might have been when beaten just half a length on that occasion. Well-supported to get off the mark on Friday, she chased the favourite for much of the way and took over when travelling best at the final flight. Pushed clear on the run-in, she won by nine lengths under Luke Dempsey, with another 33 lengths back to the rest of the field.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “She'd a few lovely runs and was a bit unlucky in Navan where she was travelling very well when a horse fell in front of her. It's great to get her maiden out of the way. She's a nice mare going forward over fences and might have one more run this season, we'll see how she is.”

Philip Dempsey and owner Ray Fitzgerald bought Broomfield Bijou from Broad Meadow Stables at the Goffs Land Rover Sale for €100,000. Bred by Herine Bloodstock, she is a full-sister to Walk On Quest (Walk In The Park), who finished a close second on debut at Loughrea. The exciting four-year-old subsequently sold for £100,000.