Westerner Mare Delivers On Hurdle Bow

The Derry Girl (7m Westerner - Knocklayde Rose, by Even Top) made a perfect start for new connections when winning the Mares’ Maiden Hurdle at Worcester on Tuesday.

The daughter of Westerner was well-supported to make a winning hurdle bow for Fergal O’Brien and was one of nine to line up for the two mile contest. Settled in midfield by Paddy Brenan, she improved to take a prominent position with three flights left to jump and was pushed along to lead after the second last. Ridden out on the run-in, she stayed on well to beat the favourite by three lengths.

Owned by Ismail El Magdoub, The Derry Girl is a full-sister to three-time chase winner Cash To Ash (Westerner). The pair were bred by Colm McHenry out of Knocklayde Rose, who has a two-year-old filly by Crystal Ocean and a yearling by Maxios.