Westerner Mare Bolts Up In Maiden Hurdle

Lady Rita (6m Westerner - Hopeful Venture, by Marju) produced an impressive performance to get off the mark in Saturday’s maiden hurdle at Navan.

The Louise Lyons-trained bay was sent off favourite under Richard Condon and chased the leaders for much of the two mile and six furlong contest. Making eye-catching headway approaching the penultimate flight, she soon led and drew clear to win by nine lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning rider said, “She won like a good mare. I think she'll have no bother getting black-type, she's a nice mare. Louise always liked her at home and that was the performance that we expected really.”

Owned and bred by Ken Kinahan, the daughter of Westerner becomes the first winner out of Hopeful Venture.