Westerner’s Ferny Hollow Wins Grade 3 On Return

Dual Grade 1 winner Ferny Hollow (9g Westerner – Mirazur, by Good Thyne) made a triumphant run to action in the Grade 3 Newlands Chase at Naas on Sunday.

Willie Mullins’ charge was sent off favourite for the two mile chase, despite having not run since December 2021, and raced in touch for much of the way under Paul Townend. Travelling strongly at the second last, he led at the final fence and drew clear on the run-in to win by five and a half lengths.

“He was deadly,” said Townend. “He was a bit fresh up the straight first time but he has grown up. He's had plenty of time to! He'll improve too and it's good to get him back.”

Bookmakers subsequently shortened Ferny Hollow to 7/1 for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham, though his trainer remains unsure on his next outing. “It's only 17 days to Cheltenham after 791 days off, which would be a tough ask. We might give him a longer break and see what's there for him at Fairyhouse and Aintree, but the important thing is that he's back.”

Mullins and Harold Kirk bought Ferny Hollow for £300,000 following his impressive debut win for Colin Bowe and the son of Westerner has now won his last six starts for Cheveley Park Stud. Bred by Castletown Quarry Stud, his best performances have come when winning the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at Cheltenham and the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown.