Westerner Mares Complete Impressive Double

Impressive newcomer Chautuaqua (4f Westerner - Sea Jewel, by Flemensfirth) completed a double for Westerner at Clonmel on Thursday when landing the bumper for Denis Hogan.

Held up at the back of the field by John O’Meara, the bay improved from over two furlongs out and was pushed along to lead approaching the final furlong. Running on strongly, she drew clear to win by seven lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “There are a couple of nice Listed bumpers in the spring so she will probably go for one of them. There's a lot of improvement in her.”

Owned by the Premier Racing Club, Chautuaqua was bred by M O’Connor and B Corkery out of a half-sister to First Lieutenant.

Earlier on the card, dual hurdle winner Western Zara (6m Westerner - Flemerelle, by Flemensfirth) made a smart start over fences in the Mares Beginner Chase over two and a half miles.

Sent off second favourite under Richard Deegan, the Paul Nolan-trained grey raced prominently throughout and asserted at the third last. Gaining a clear advantage by the penultimate fence, she was pushed out on the run-in to score by 11 lengths.

Speaking after the race, Nolan said, “Western Zara jumped great and I was hopeful she could do that. She had to improve and she did, so it looks like she will be better over fences.”

Western Zara has been owned by Anna Scanlon since finishing a promising second in a four-year-old maiden for JP Berry. The daughter of Westerner was bred by P Hore out of the Flemensfirth mare Flemerelle, who has a four-year-old full-sister to the winner.