Lord Windermere looks a real improver Jim Culloty’s Lord Windermere (4/1) showed his battling qualities on only his third start when turning over even money favourite Dylan Ross in the Listed two mile hurdle at Punchestown with Tom Doyle in the saddle. The race may only have attracted five runners but it was a competitive affair as evidenced by Ballysteen, Lord Windermere and Dylan Ross jumping the last almost in unison after picking off long-time leader Casa Jove. Lord Windermere and Dylan Ross settled down to fight out the finish. It looked like Dylan Ross and Paul Carberry would get up but Lord Windermere on the inside stuck his neck out and prevailed by a head. “He’s green and that’s why he was 25/1 when he won his maiden hurdle [Thurles 17 Nov]. We’ve always thought he had loads of ability,” successful trainer Jim Culloty said. “He’s improving with every run and he’s a slow learner. He’s a big chaser and he’s got an engine. He’s in the Grade 1 novice hurdle at Leopardstown at Christmas but that might come a bit soon for him.” “I didn’t want to go to a Grade 1 straight from his maiden so that’s why I came here as a stepping stone. We’ll find a race for him in February and that will decide which route he goes. “Whatever he does he’ll go novice chasing next October.” Lord Windermere was introduced at 3/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham by Stan James. Ballysteen was two lengths back in third while 11/4 shot Laganbank disappointed in fourth a further four-and-three-parts-of-a-length away. Casa Jove was last of the five runners. Michael Graham
