Fleur In The Park (IRE) wins at Gowran Park

Fleur In The Park (IRE) made a winning return to action in the PWC Danoli Steeplechase (Grade 2) at Gowran Park, beating Blood Destiny by six and a half lengths. The seven-year-old son of Walk In The Park, owned by Mrs Margaret O'Rourke, was having his first start since finishing second in a Grade 1 at Punchestown last season. Ridden by C M Quirke, the gelding was reported to be only 80 to 85 per cent fit. The yard indicated that the John Durkan at Punchestown or the BetVictor Envoi Allen Champion Chase at Down Royal could be next on the agenda. "Cian said he dragged his shoulder getting up on Fleur In The Park and I'd say he popped his shoulder," said Slattery. "When you win a Grade 1 as a novice, you'd think it would be hard to win a race this season, but this is grand and he was only 80 or 85% fit today. Cian said he had a blow at the final fence, although he was fitter than I thought he was. It was a good performance as he gave weight to race-fit Blood Destiny, who was rated 156. We'll either go for the John Durkan (Punchestown) or the race in Down Royal (BetVictor Envoi Allen Champion Chase) next and then maybe the King George (Kempton). We'll see as we go along and he'll have three races before Christmas, and three after. He would love Kempton as he has pace for 2m4f and stays three miles. We'll dream away and see, and the next day will tell us a lot. Margaret's (O'Rourke, owner) husband Padraig is from up the road and is a racecourse director, but isn't here today as he isn't well at the moment, so this is a tonic." (Quotes from Tom Weekes)