Clarke trains his first chase winner It's always nice to see a mare beat the geldings and though 20/1 chance Western Goose hardly pleased many punters, there was no denying the convincing nature of her success in the Catch Me If You Can Beginners Chase at Downpatrick. On outing number four for the Cill Choca Syndicate and Keith Clarke, the former Uttoxeter novices' handicap hurdle scorer travelled sweetly here on chase debut under Barry Cash. A point-to-pointer for Jimmy Mangan at the start of her career, Western Goose eventually came home four lengths in front of the staying on I'm An Izz Wizz. Clarke said of the half-sister to Colour Squadron: "She's been a proper mare. She always jumped fences well but I just wanted to see what I could do over hurdles before I went chasing with her. "I thought it was a competitive heat and I would have been surprised if she wasn't in the first four or five but her jumping today just came out on top. With the ground changing as well it probably helped. It's a great result for her and hopefully there will be many more for a smart mare like her. "I'm delighted for the owner, Mick McHugh from Kilcock (Cill Choca Syndicate), who unfortunately can't be here today and who has been with me since day one and been very patient. "It's fantastic to get a National Hunt winner and a chase winner. We have a handful of jumpers but would love to increase the numbers. Mick bought this horse in Goffs so it has worked out for him. "She did what had to be done today and got a mares' allowance. Her jumping took her there. We'll aim for something down the country, Ballinrobe or somewhere." The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Boris De Blae, trained by Alan Fleming, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard and lame behind post race. (MG & EM)
