Westerners Son takes opener at Thurles Westerners Son, a three-time winner over hurdles, opened his account over fences when taking the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Rated Novice Chase at Thurles. Andrew Lynch’s mount and Goulane Chosen had the extended two-mile event between them from four out and, despite a slight mistake at the last, the easy-to-back 7/2 chance kept on well on the run-in to score by a length and three quarters. The pair pulled all of 35 lengths clear of the remainder, while the well-backed 2/1 favourite Buck Dancing was no threat inside the final half-mile eventually finishing fifth. Jonathan Burke was stood down for the remainder of the day after taking a heavy fall from Sizing Silver at the fourth last. Burke was taken to hospital for precautionary xrays on his neck but reportedly had full movement of all his limbs. Winning trainer Dermot McLoughlin said, "He kept going best and jumped super bar the last, twice. "He was entitled to win, keeps galloping and is a hardy boy. We'll look for a winners of one next." Lynch said, “He loves heavy ground and jumps for fun. He doesn’t have to make the running but just wants to be in his comfort zone.” (TW & AM)
