Westland Row enjoys step up in trip Westland Row ran out a comfortable winner of the Investec Rated Novice Hurdle, scoring under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott. Having got off the mark over flights at Downpatrick in May, the five-year-old son of Oscar since filled the runner-up spot on his next two starts. Upped in trip to two miles and six furlongs for the first time today, he was sent off a 5/2 chance (as big as 10/3 this morning), and raced towards rear. He took closer order from the second last, and came with his challenge on the outer before the final flight. He soon got to the front and kept on well under pressure inside the final furlong, coming home seven and a half lengths to the good. Major Destination, who was backed from 9/2 to 3/1 on-course, finished second under Jonathan Moore for Noel Meade. Treasure Chest was sent off the 9/4 favourite and he finished a disappointing fifth under Jody McGarvey for Joseph O'Brien. "He stays well and he's in his comfort zone over that trip. The owners (Caren Walsh and John Doyle) are sporting people, they like a bit of craic, and he'll be entered at Galway (2m 6f handicap hurdle on the Saturday being a possibility)," said Elliott. "It worked out for him there and he gave him a grand ride. "He'll be a nice horse when he jumps fences in time but he should win again over hurdles hopefully." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Turf Club Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Treasure Chest trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien was blowing hard and lame post race having lost a shoe in running. * J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Lambs Lane trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount would prefer softer ground. Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
