Well Regarded Walk In The Park Gelding Wins Bumper

Promising point-to-point recruit Shannon Royale (5g Walk In The Park - Shannon Rose, by Topanoora) made all to win Thursday’s bumper at Clonmel on his second start under rules.

The well-bred son of Walk In The Park finished second on his sole start for Colin Bowe, a performance which saw him fetch £300,000 from Margaret O’Toole at Tattersalls Cheltenham. Now trained by Gordon Elliott for Robcour, the bay was partnered by Jamie Codd on Thursday and kept on strongly approaching the final furlong to win by two and a half lengths.

“I think we’ve seen a proper horse there,” Codd commented after the race. “He’s going to be even better over hurdles next year. He could be a very nice horse.”

Bred by Vambeck Bloodstock, the he completed a smart double on the day for Walk In The Park, with Resplendent Grey (5g Walk In The Park - Caltra Princess, by Traditionally) having earlier won the maiden hurdle at Wetherby.

An impressive bumper winner on debut in December, Olly Murphy’s charge was sent off favourite on his hurdle bow and was positioned in midfield by Sean Bowen. Improving into second at the penultimate flight, he was ridden to challenge on the run-in and led close home, running on to score by a length and three quarters.

Resplendent Grey is owned by Mrs RJ Skan and was bred by Ms M Kavanagh.