Son Of Walk In The Park Storms Clear To Grade 1 Glory

Final Demand (6g Walk In The Park – Zuzka, by Flemensfirth) was sent off a short-priced favourite for the Grade 1 Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival and justified the market support with an impressive 12-length win.

The expensive store sale purchase joined Willie Mullins following a smart debut for Matthew Flynn O’Connor, and confirmed he was an exciting prospect when bolting up on rules debut over the Christmas period. Paul Townend took the ride at Leopardstown on Saturday and looked full of confidence approaching the turn for home. Pushed along to lead before the final flight, the bay stayed on strongly on the run-in, while the rest of the field fought for placings.

Bookmakers subsequently shortened him to 7-4 favourite for both the Turners Novices' Hurdle and the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, and the winning trainer’s post-race comments suggested that options remain fluid for Final Demand.

“To do what he did there on only his second run over hurdles was a huge achievement,” Mullins said. “What he did from the last to the line sets him apart from other horses. He's a specimen and I believe he was one of the most expensive store purchases of his generation, which doesn't always work out, but it has with this fellow.

“I would not mind going back in trip with him, and it makes me think about whether this race should be over two and a half miles instead of two miles and six furlongs.”

The son of Walk In The Park was bred by Ken Parkhill, whose Castletown Quarry Stud sold him at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale to Ballycrystal Stables and Joey Logan for €230,000.