Son Of Westerner Strikes Late For Grade 3 Glory

West Approach (9g Westerner - Ardstown, by Ardross) built on an excellent seasonal return to take Saturday’s Grade 3 Chase at Cheltenham.

Last month, the Colin Tizzard-trained bay finished second in a staying chase at the track- his eighth placing at Prestbury Park. He was sent off joint-favourite as a result and Robbie Power held him up at the back of the field, waiting until the second last to make his move. A close third at the final fence, he ran on to lead 140 yards out and quickened up the hill to win by three lengths.

Saturday marked a third success over fences for West Approach, who has also been Grade 1-placed over hurdles. Owned by John and Heather Snook, he was bred by Robin and Scarlett Knipe and is a half-brother to the top-class Thistlecrack.

It built on a fine day for Castlehyde Stud sire Westerner, with Anything Will Do (4g Westerner - Aylesbury Park, by Old Vic) having earlier taken the two mile Novice Hurdle at Punchestown.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained horse was following up on a similar success last time out and brought his record to three wins from four starts in the colours of the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate.

Bred by Miss Ann Twomey, Anything Will Do is a half-brother to Graded hurdler Stand Up And Fight (Flemensfirth).