Wakanda claims G2 glory for Westerner

Danny Cook put in a bold front-running performance aboard Wakanda (6g Westerner-Chanson Indienne, by Indian River) at Haydock on Saturday when claiming another big-race success for Westerner. The Sue Smith-trained six-year-old held off Cogry to score by three and a half lengths in the G2 Altcar Novices’ Chase and connections believe the Westerner gelding has a big future. "He deserved it. We didn't expect to come here and win but he's done the job. He's a really nice horse and an exciting prospect," Smith's assistant Ryan Clavin told PA Sport. "He galloped all the way to the line. He stays three miles and acts on the ground.” Wakanda, a half-brother to this season’s G2-winning novice chaser Shanahan’s Turn, was bred in Ireland by Bluegate Stud.