Walk In The Park Mare Lands Listed Bumper

Paul Nicholls is looking forward to next season with Larchmont Lass (5m Walk In The Park - Tocororo, by Teofilo) after the progressive bay won the Listed Mares’ Bumper at Sandown on Saturday.

A promising third on debut and a close second next time out, the Michael Geoghegan-owned mare appeared suited to the stamina test created by Saturday’s heavy ground. Positioned in midfield by Harry Cobden, she was asked to quicken before the three furlong pole and was ridden approaching the final furlong. Making good headway, she stayed on well to lead close home and led by a neck on the line, while Dontyawantme (Getaway) stayed on for third.

“She's a lovely filly,” the winning trainer later commented. “She's had three runs for the season and she'll be put away now. She already jumps great and is a proper one to go novice hurdling with next season.”

Nicholls and Tom Malone bought Larchmont Lass from breeder Coolmara Stables at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale for €95,000. She completed the first leg of a smart double on the day for Walk In The Park, with Giovinco (6g Walk In The Park - Whyalla, by Bandari) later impressing on his first start under rules at Ayr.

Last seen winning a Dromahane maiden for Michael Griffin, he was sent off a short-priced favourite for the Novices’ Hurdle on his first start for Lucinda Russell. He jumped well throughout under Stephen Mulqueen, who rode him to make all in the two and a half mile contest and was travelling well with three left to jump. Clear at the second last, he was eased down on the run-in and won by 11 lengths with ease.

Giovinco was bred by Colm Griffin out of homebred mare Whyalla, who has a four-year-old filly and weanling colt by Walk In The Park.