THERE were plenty of firsts about the result of the Grade 1 WillowWarm Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday. It was a first Grade 1 winner for owner Margaret O’Rourke, trainer Andy Slattery, and jockey Cian Quirke. In the past decade the race has been a stepping stone in the careers of such as Al Boum Photo, Galopin Des Champs and Spillane’s Tower.

This year’s winner, Fleur In The Park (Walk In The Park), is the longest-priced winner in that period, but there was nothing to fault in the manner of his victory, his fourth in 17 starts, but his first in a blacktype race. Bred by brothers Noel and Kevin Heaney, this is the best result they have had as breeders, though their family has a long association with horses, and their grandfather Eamonn McCormack bred the Grand National winner Papillon.