A wasted summer, but Wakea finally back on track

After winning his maiden hurdle at Down Royal, Wakea was disqualified for a prohibited substance being found in his sample, but, three months on, the Cape Cross gelding made amends on his return to jumping with a fluent all-the-way success in yesterday’s opening race at Clonmel.

A useful sort on the level at his best, he had to concede weight to all of his rivals this time, but there was never a moment’s concern for his supporters as the Johnny Barry-ridden 4-9 chance, despite being keen early, shrugged off an untidy leap at the last to see off Brog Deas Nua with the minimum of fuss.

Said winning trainer Karl Thornton: “It’s grand to get another maiden hurdle into him for experience, but he was in no way wound-up and will come on a tonne for it. Hopefully he is on the right road now. The last three or four days I haven’t been mad happy with him but still thought him good enough to win, so we let him take his chance. He’ll come on from the run, but he’s so big we’ll take our time with him. His jumping will improve, too.”