Walkabout can build on long overdue victory

On tonight’s second visit of the week to Dundalk, Walkabout can take the second division of the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Apprentice Handicap for trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Donagh O’Connor.

Well-backed winner of a maiden hurdle at Cork on the Monday before the Cheltenham Festival, he ran a number of good races in defeat before getting his head in front again, in a handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe. He can be forgiven for being pulled up on heavy ground in the competitive Lartigue Hurdle at Listowel on his last start, and makes a return to the flat off what looks an exploitable mark.

He finished placed in two of his five starts on turf, but was a well-beaten last of four on his only previous visit to this venue. An initial flat rating of 70 has since fallen back to 56, and this is his first start on the level for his current trainer.