The Little Yank (Westerner) Lands The Rated Novice Hurdle At Thurles

Talented Son Of Westerner Returns To Winners Enclose

Black-type performer The Little Yank (7g Westerner - Long Walk Home, by Presenting) gained a deserved return to winning ways in the Rated Novice Hurdle at Thurles on Thursday.

The John Patrick Ryan-trained bay was sent off second favourite, having finished third in a valuable contest at the Dublin Racing Festival just five days prior. Dropping back to two and a half miles, he was held up by Liam Quinlan, who asked him to make headway from three out. Improving to lead before the second last, he went clear approaching the final flight and kept on strongly to score by nine lengths.

Now a five-time winner, The Little Yank has also placed at Listed and Grade 2 level. The son of Westerner was bred by Patrick and Morgan Cahalan and is a sibling of Grade 3 placed stablemate Dedanann (Yeats).