Westerner Mares Continues Fairytale With Grade 1 Win

Skyace (6m Westerner - Graigace, by Milan) continued a fairytale story for connections when triumphing at Grade 1 level in Sunday’s Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Hurdle worth €100,000.

Purchased by John ‘Shark’ Hanlon for the Birdinthehand Syndicate, the daughter of Westerner came into Sunday’s race with four career wins to her name, two of them black-type victories. She was last seen finishing fourth at Cheltenham and was sent off joint-favourite for the two and a half mile contest at Fairyhouse.

There was a moment turning for home when Skyace became short of room, but Jody McGarvey guided the bay into the lead from the second last. Gauloise soon produced a strong challenge and the pair battled clear of their rivals, with Skyace prevailing by half a length on the line.

“She’s great, she’s tough as nails,” a delighted Hanlon exclaimed. “It’s great to have one like her.”

Bred by Breandan Long, Skyace is the first foal out of Graigace (Milan) and hails from the family of Grade 1 chaser A Genie In ABottle.