Western Goose © Photo Healy Racing
Kilcock handler Vincent Ward celebrated his first victory since September 2012 when Western Goose ran out a ready winner of the first division of the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Barry Browne arrived travelling well on the turn for home on the 16/1 shot and she hit the front going to the second last.
The 10-year-old was driven clear before the final flight and stayed on well in the closing stages for a five-length victory.
Western Goose was recording her third career victory and her first since joining Ward’s yard.
“It’s a while since I had a winner and these days it’s brilliant (to get one). Nine is my lucky number and this is my local track. The last time I had a winner she was number nine as well," said Ward.
“I’ve done a lot of different things with this mare and I just train her out of the farm at home.
“I don’t gallop her and just use the old fashioned way of training horses. It’s worked because she bursts blood vessels.
“I have to thanks Mrs Lorna Fowler for permission to go down and gallop on her point-to-point track.
“We do things completely different with her. Where I train I’m in a cul de sac. She does a mile-and-a-half road work in the mornings and is out as much as possible.
“These days are great and thank god for theses races because for the likes of me to win races now it’s very competitive.
“She bolted up but I wouldn’t be in a hurry to run her on heavy ground. I think she could win a nice chase on nice jumping ground.
“Today is her day and my day as well so it’s just fantastic.”
