Walk In The Park Mare Lands Cheltenham Grade 2

Limerick Lace (7m Walk In The Park – Sway, by Califet) provided both her dam and Walk In The Park with their second winner of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival when capturing the Grade 2 Mares’ Chase on Friday.

Gavin Cromwell’s progressive mare ran out a clear winner of a Listed chase at Doncaster last time out, but faced a formidable opponent in Grade 1 winner Dinoblue at Cheltenham. Keith Donoghue rode the bay in touch with the leaders and was travelling strongly when leading before the second last. Shaken up soon after, she kept on strongly up the hill to deny the favourite by three parts of a length.

“That was fantastic,” Cromwell said. “I'm delighted for Keith, he's a big part of the team and it's well deserved. He gave her a lovely ride, turned it into a good test and she stayed well. She's genuine, she was in front from a long way out and she had to battle. She showed guts and determination.”

The Aintree and Irish Grand Nationals will now be considered for the JP McManus-owned mare, with bookmakers shortening her price for both tests. The daughter of Walk In The Park completed a rare Festival double for breeder Mrs Noreen McManus, following her full-brother’s success in the Kim Muir the previous day.