Walk In The Park Mare Proves Stamina At Punchestown

Limerick Lace (5m Walk In The Park - Sway, by Califet) registered her second course success at Punchestown on Monday when justifying favouritism in the Mares Maiden Hurdle.

Impressive when winning her bumper there last season, the Gavin Cromwell-trained bay was last seen finishing second over hurdles at Naas and appeared to appreciate the step up in trip on Monday. Chasing the leaders for much of the two and a half mile contest, she was forced to bide her time behind horses in the straight and led approaching the last. Pushed out to the line, she scored by three and a half lengths under Mark Walsh.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “Limerick Lace is a lovely big mare and she will be a lovely one to go chasing with in time. She will stay further.”

Owned by JP McManus and bred by Mrs Noreen McManus, the daughter of Walk In The Park is out of Listed winning hurdler Sway.