Image © Healy Racing
The Ward family’s shared enthusiasm for point-to-pointing was rewarded when Western Wishes gave them a winning start to the season at Toomebridge on Saturday.
The eight-year-old made all under Bertie Finn before digging deep to deny the favourite Katkoriko by a head in the winners-of-one contest, supplying owner-handler Patrick Ward with his third career success.
Ward combines training with his work in the plant industry, running the operation alongside sons Nathan and Callum.
Finn picked up the ride on the day, with Noel McParlan and Declan Lavery committed elsewhere, and his positive approach brought out the best in the son of Westerner.
“We knew he was in serious form,” said Ward.
“He’s a wee horse that runs well whenever he’s fresh. Bertie was a good substitute, and it worked out well. You couldn’t ask for any better.”
Leading from the outset suited a horse whose preferences have become familiar to Ward.
“That’s the way you have to ride the horse.
“If you jump off in behind, you disappoint him and he’ll not travel an inch for you. We’ve learned that with him.”
Based near Saintfield, Ward is a nephew of former trainer Barney Jones. He grew up riding out for his uncle and has been around ponies and horses for most of his life.
He had runners in the 2016/17 season, but an injury to one promising horse and setbacks with others, combined with work commitments, prompted a break from training before his sons helped rekindle his interest.
“We were looking for a horse for a bit of fun and we found Western Wishes advertised on ThoroughBid.
“We’ve been with horses a lifetime, but we didn’t have anything for a year or two because we were working at different things.
“It was actually the two sons who were pushing more for a horse than I was. Nicky Stokes had him up, we bought him and brought him home, and he won on the second run we had him.”
That breakthrough came at Tattersalls in December 2024, when Eoghan Finegan partnered Western Wishes to his maiden success and gave Ward his first winner as a handler.
Learning what suits the gelding has been an important part of the journey. Ward believes better ground and keeping him fresh are key, having learned through experience that testing conditions do not suit him.
A setback in the field last season also required patience, with a persistent infection disrupting his campaign. More than three weeks of daily trips to the beach formed part of his recovery before he was turned out to grass.
“He’s a good fun horse. That’s what he’s there for.
“You learn about them as you go through your own mistakes.”
Western Wishes finished second to Grageen in a maiden hunter chase at Downpatrick in May 2025, beaten two and a half lengths. A return to that sphere is among the options following his Toomebridge success, although suitable ground will dictate his next outing.
“He’s come out of it very well, with no issues whatsoever.
“We’ll see what the weather does. If it comes in wet, he’ll not run. We have it in our heads to try to go back hunter chasing, but a whole lot of wee boxes need to tick before you know where you’re going.”
Ward currently has five horses in training, including two four-year-olds and two three-year-olds. Among the younger prospects is Paddys Pension, a four-year-old by Jet Away whom he hopes can provide another reason for the family to celebrate.
“That’s my pension money,” he joked. “If I could get him to win and get him sold, that’s me sort of half retired.”
For now, the horses fit around the family’s working day, with all three involved in the plant business as well as the yard.
“We are in the yard at 5.30am every morning and the two sons do all the riding out, and the three of us work together.
“We work with diggers and things as well. It’s a hobby to us, but we’re going to try to make it pay. That’s what our aim is.”
The family have their own stables, gallop and horse walker at home. They can also take their horses to nearby Pat Turley’s yard to use his facilities, and Ward is very appreciative of the help and advice provided by both Turley and Declan Lavery.
While Ward is happy to concentrate on his own horses, he would support his sons if they wished to develop the operation further. His younger son, 18-year-old Callum, already holds a restricted amateur licence and has ambitions to ride in point-to-points.
Ward believes the individual attention available in a small yard has helped bring out the best in Western Wishes. Seeing that care rewarded with a win makes the early starts and hard work worthwhile.
“It’s just achieving that first place that gives you the satisfaction.
“Seeing that the horses are coming out healthy and that they’re set to go and win.”
“Seeing that the horses are coming out healthy and that they’re set to go and win.”
