Leader continues on upward curve with breathtaking display

WESTERN LEADER stamped himself as one of the most exciting young horses in the country with a breathtaking display to land the Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles yesterday.

Trained by John Hanlon for Barry Connell, the imposing six-year-old was beautifully handled by Conor O’Farrell.

He made just about all of the running with Premier Victory the only one who was able to stay with him for much of the journey.