Westerner Mare Another Exciting Novice For De Bromhead

The Big Westerner (5m Westerner – Augusta Bay, by Oscar) shaped like a smart prospect when beating the geldings in Sunday’s maiden hurdle at Punchestown.

Matthew Flynn O’Connor’s debut point-to-point winner sold to Rathmore Stud for £120,000 and made her rules debut for Henry de Bromhead and MK Mariga. Sent off joint second-favourite, she raced prominently under Darragh O’Keeffe and improved to dispute from three out. Quickening when pushed along before the final flight, she ran on well to beat the well-backed favourite by a length, with another nine lengths back to the third.

“She looks a nice mare,” de Bromhead said. “She jumped great and travelled well. Darragh was great on her and delighted to get it for the Marigas who are great supporters of ours.”

The daughter of Westerner was bred by Southeast Bloodstock, Owen Hickey and L Gleeson.