Grade 2 In Mind For Promising Hurdler By Westerner

Captain Westie (7g Westerner - Simons Niece, by Flemensfirth) shaped like a potentially smart prospect when making a winning return to action in the Novices’ Hurdle at Catterick on Thursday.

The son of Westerner began his career with John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, for whom he finished second in a bumper to subsequent Grade 1 performer Churchstonewarrior (Mahler). He then bumped into another talented type on his first start for Tom Malone, when chasing home Park This One (Walk In The Park), who has since won a bumper and twice over hurdles, as well as finishing fourth at Grade 2 level.

The form saw him well-supported on his first start for James Moffatt and he was ridden to make all the running in the extended three mile contest by Charlotte Jones. Pushed along from two out, he was ridden approaching the final flight and kept on well to deny the favourite by a length. The runner-up, who had previous wins between the flags and over hurdles, finished clear of the field.

“He'll improve a bundle,” the winning trainer said after the race. Moffatt added that chasing is the ultimate plan for Captain Westie, with bigger targets possible before then. “I wouldn't mind having a crack at a half decent race, a three-miler like the Prestige Novices' Hurdle at Haydock, which we won with Chief Dan George.”

Captain Westie is owned by John Thomas Hanbury and was bred by Patrick Cronin.