Acey Milan Gains First Win Over Hurdles

Talented bumper horse Acey Milan (5g Milan - Strong Wishes, by Strong Gale) gained his first win over hurdles when taking the two mile Novice Hurdle at Plumpton on Wednesday.

The Anthony Honeyball-trained bay won two Listed bumpers last season, before taking fourth in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, and made a pleasing start to his hurdle career when finishing second in November. Dropping back in trip, he led from flag fall but was headed on the turn for home. Reacting well to pressure from Aidan Coleman, he battled back gamely to lead in the final 75 yards to beat The Flying Sofa by half a length.

Despite the trip of Wednesday’s win, Honeyball was adamant there was more to come from his charge over further distances and softer ground. Owned by the group Owners For Owners, Acey Milan was bred by Mrs M O’Driscoll and is a full-brother to the nine-time winner Lord Wishes. Their dam, placed in three bumpers herself, has also produced the eight-time winner William’s Wishes, by another son of Sadler’s Wells in Oscar.