Whinstone Brings Back Memories of Monty's

Those with long memories will remember Ruby Walsh riding winners for Jimmy Mangan on horses such as Ajar and Greenflag Princess and those that saw their teaming up as significant were rewarded when Whinstone Boy (9s in the morning into 6/1) stayed on best to beat Peak Raider by two lengths in the Littleton Handicap Hurdle.

Bred by the Dee Racing Syndicate, owners of Monty's Pass, the 2003 Grand National hero, this fellow is owned by the Whinstone Syndicate, whose members include Muir Higginson, Noel Murphy and Adam Armstrong, some of whom were involved in Monty's Pass.

Mangan said afterwards: "It is nice winning over the wrong distance as Ruby said to me. This horse has won two point-to-points and may turn out again at the weekend at either Fairyhouse or Cork where he is in a three miler."

Walsh was completing a double having scored half-an-hour earlier on Otay Kawn Supreme Leader, the successful sire, was also doubling up, as he was responsible for Inistioge earlier.

The win of Whinstone Boy was a small boost for Mangan after losing his promising young prospect, Well Covered, at this venue on Tuesday.(EM)