Walk In The Park Mare Impresses In Grade 2 On Chase Debut

Bioluminescence (6m Walk In The Park – Molly Round, by Old Vic) has an exciting season ahead, after the Grade 3 winning hurdler made an impressive start over fences in the Grade 2 Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase at Limerick.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained mare was one of three black-type performers to line up in the feature, and was sent off favourite to make a successful seasonal return under Derek O’Connor. Tracking the leader in the early stages, she led after halfway and began to extend her advantage from two out. She was ridden briefly on the run-in and ran on well to score by three lengths, with another six lengths back to the third.

“Her jumping is just unbelievable,” the winning rider said. “She's a big mare and has a huge jump to match. I'd say a trip and soft ground will suit her.”

O’Connor rode the mare on her very first career victory, when the Mrs A.R.M.M. Kavanagh-bred mare bolted up by 20 lengths on debut at Boulta. She was completing a double on the card for her sire and owner JP McManus, following the maiden win of Uhavemeinstitches (4f Walk In The Park – Bluesea Cracker, by Buster King) in the opener.

The James Motherway-trained mare had entered notebooks when making a significant step forward on her second start, and first of the season, when she finished second to a black-type filly. She faced 16 rivals in Friday’s mares maiden hurdle and raced in touch with the leaders for much of the way under Simon Torrens. Ridden to lead approaching the final flight, she ran on well to score by a length and a half.

“She’s a lovely filly,” James Motherway commented. “We’ve always liked her since day one and it’s great to get a winner for JP at Christmas.”

Uhavemeinstitches was bred by Mrs Noreen McManus out of the trainer’s Irish Grand National heroine Bluesea Cracker.