Son Of Walk In The Park Triumphs In Grade 1 Chase

The progressive Spillane’s Tower (6g Walk In The Park – In The Habit, by Duke Of Marmalade) took another step forward on Sunday to win the Grade 1 WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse.

Jimmy Mangan’s stable star landed a Grade 3 in January, which came just under Sunday’s trip of two and a half miles, and was sent off second-favourite as he reopposed Blood Destiny at Fairyhouse. Racing in touch with the leaders, he produced a challenge at the second last and was shaken up to lead approaching the final fence. Ridden on the run-in, he kept on well to score by a length and three quarters under Mark Walsh.

Speaking after the race, a delighted Mangan said, “From day one we’ve liked this horse and he’s taken to fences really well. When the ground dries he’ll go home to Martinstown and we'll make a plan for next season. I couldn’t see why he wouldn’t stay three miles but that will be for next season.”

The winning rider is also looking forward to next season with Spillane’s Tower, saying, “Heading back up in trip and off level weights, I was confident enough that we could turn around the Navan form with Blood Destiny if we went a good gallop, but we didn't. So I was glad to see the lads pressing on a bit after Ballyhack. He'll have no problem getting three miles so he's one to look forward to.”

The son of Walk In The Park is owned by JP McManus and was bred by Mrs Noreen McManus.