Talented Son Of Westerner Defies Penalty

Grade 2 performer Washington (6g Westerner - Present Leader, by Presenting) gained his second win over hurdles when justifying favouritism in Monday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Southwell.

Successful in both his bumpers, Olly Murphy’s charge made a winning hurdle debut on seasonal return and had since placed on all subsequent starts, including a fine second in the Grade 2 Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham. Sent off favourite on Monday, he raced towards the back of the field under Fergus Gregory and began to make headway after the third last. Shaken up to lead approaching the final flight, he was pushed out on the run-in to score by three lengths.

Owned by Tim Syder, the son of Westerner was bred by Jeremy McTaggart.