Sweeney scores with Churchstonewarrior's brother

A change of yard proved just the trick as Western Walk made a bright start for Jonathan Sweeney when taking the Racing Next On March 11th Maiden Hurdle at Navan.

The Walk In The Park gelding, who was placed a number of times in seven previous outings for Gavin Cromwell, is a half-brother to Sweeney’s stablestar Churchstonewarrior and has joined the Cork trainer after nine months on the sidelines.

The 13/8 chance was confidently ridden by Michael O’Sullivan, jumping past evens favourite Jimmy Chou Pecos Aa at the last before drawing clear in the closing stages for an easy three-and-three-quarter lengths victory. Ebenezer Scrooge was a further nine and a half lengths away in third.

Fogarty said, "I don't know what sort of a race it was, depth wise, but you'd be happy with him anyway.

“He came to me last autumn. Micheal said he could even go back in trip. I'd imagine he'll handle nicer ground.”

Quotes by Gary Carson