Grange Walk continues his progress over fences

Grange Walk recorded his third win since sent over fences this season when taking the Bet Through The Free Racing Post App Handicap Chase at Leopardstown.

The John Ryan-trained gelding was friendless in the market drifting right out to 18/1 at the off but belied the lack of confidence despite jockey Shane Fitzgerald having to battle with a slipped saddle in the closing stages.

The six-year-old kept on strongly from the last to beat top-weight Exit Poll by three-and-three-quarter lengths with Take All a neck further back in third.

In what must rank as one of the quotes of the day, Ryan said just minutes before Danny Mullins partnered Tornado Flyer to win the King George, “I couldn’t believe that Danny went to Kempton!”

The Templemore trainer added, “I was happy with him before the race and coming here. He’s only a six-year-old so time is on his side and he’s a novice.

“He’s a fair horse and is only coming to himself. He’ll probably go on for the Dan Moore (at Fairyhouse) from here.”