Westerner Mare Blows Rivals Away In Grade 2 Feature

Trainer Denis Hogan rode Moyhenna (7m Westerner - Moskova, by Montjeu) to a wide margin success in Sunday’s feature at Limerick, the Grade 2 Charleville Mares Novice Chase.

Successful over hurdles last season, the mare must have impressed connections at home as she made her chase debut at Grade 3 level in December. Placed since, she was stepping back up in trip to two miles and six and a half furlongs, with the heavy ground making it a sure test of stamina.

Taking the lead before the first fence, she was over six lengths clear of the field from the third last and continued to extend her advantage to the line, where the winning margin measured 25 lengths. Robert Hennelly’s homebred winner may now contest the Irish Grand National, according to her trainer.

Hennelly and Hogan have also enjoyed success with Moyhenna’s half-sister Moskovite (Flemensfirth), while Hennelly raced their dam to win three Grade 3 chase contests.