First Grade 2 winner for Mike O'Connor The Big Westerner (11/8) got the better of market rival Jade De Grugy (1/1 fav) in an exciting renewal of the McMahons Builders Providers Irish EBF Dawn Run Mares Novice Steeplechase at Limerick. A Grade 2 winner over hurdles at this venue a year ago and runner-up in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham, the Henry De Bromhead-trained six-year-old was runner-up to smart gelding Jimmy Du Seuil on her chasing debut at Fairyhouse. Here, she led from early and jumped well in the main under Mike O'Connor. Jade De Grugy joined issue with the winner on the run to the second-last but a faster jump at the final fence carried The Big Westerner to a two and three-quarter length success in the colours of Coolmara Stables Limited. O'Connor, 24, said "It is nice to get a winner over Christmas, and especially to get my first Grade 2. "Her first run back of the season was a really solid run and we knew she'd build on that. We were positive coming here and we thought she would win, so it's lovely when they do. "Today's ground is soft to heavy with no depth to it and she was brilliant, jumped and travelled so well. She was tough and game and jumped impeccably. "Staying is no problem to her and we always felt chasing would improve her." He added "This means everything as it has been a quiet and frustrating season for me, with many seconds and thirds. "I'm with Henry five days a week, I get to Jimmy Mangan's another day and also ride out for Mouse Morris. Every jockey is the same, and I'm trying to pick up as many rides as I can." Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
