Son Of Westerner Proves Stamina Over Fences

A step up in trip saw Western Sea (6g Westerner - Sea Of Stone, by Sanglamore) gain his first win over fences in the Beginners Chase at Sligo on Wednesday.

The Ross O’Sullivan-trained bay finished a close second over two miles last time out and raced over five furlongs further on his latest start. Luke Dempsey took the ride once again, leading from the third fence and began to pick up the pace approaching the second last as the favourite loomed close. Staying on well on the run-in, Western Sea ran on to beat his aforementioned rival by two lengths.

“He loved it and jumped great,” O’Sullivan later commented. He trains the winner, previously successful twice over hurdles, for TJ Ward. The son of Westerner was bred by John W Blake.