Firefox Joins Illustrious Honour Roll On Chase Debut

Sons of Walk In The Park dominated the finish to Friday’s Beginners Chase at Down Royal, where Grade 1 hurdler Firefox (6g Walk In The Park – Cuteasafox, by Vinnie Roe) made a perfect start over fences.

Placed in Grade 1’s on his last three starts in novice hurdles, Gordon Elliott’s charge was sent off a short-priced favourite on his seasonal return. The Bective Stud-owned bay jumped well and travelled strongly in a prominent position throughout the two-and-a-half-mile contest and began to extend his advantage from the second last. He was pushed out by Sam Ewing to beat Grade 2 performer Mossy Fen Park (Walk In The Park) by three and a half lengths.

Gordon Elliott was landing the race for the third year in a row, his last two winners going on to win at Grade 1 level over fences. On his latest winner, he said: “Firefox probably learned more today than in any novice chase with Henry's horse taking him on an jumping as well as him. Sam said he just gave him a squeeze coming down the hill and he picked up. I wouldn't be afraid of coming back in trip.”

The son of Walk In The Park was bred by Grange Stud and sold to his owners for €280,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale.