Exciting Son Of Mahler Draws Clear On Rules Debut

Exciting point-to-point recruit Shanagh Bob (5g Mahler - Exit Bob, by Exit To Nowhere) made an impressive start for new connections in Monday’s Novices’ Hurdle at Plumpton.

The son of Mahler sold to Highflyer Bloodstock for £200,000 following his winning debut in a four-year-old maiden for John O’Donovan. Now trained by Nicky Henderson for Mrs Donnelly, the bay was sent off a short-priced favourite on his rules debut over two and a half miles. Making all of the running under James Bowen, he began to quicken from three out and began to draw clear on the run-in. He won by seven lengths going away, as dual hurdle winner All The Glory (Fame And Glory) claimed runners-up honours, with another 21 lengths back to the rest of the field.

“I'm delighted with that,” said Sean Bowen after the race. “It's not ideal conditions for Shanagh Bob being around a sharp track. He's a big horse for a track such as this and he only got going when I gave him a flick after the last. He was going places when we hit the line and a stiffer track and longer trip may be his thing going forward.”

Shanagh Bob was bred by Aaron Doocey out of Exit Bob, who has a four-year-old full-brother to the winner yet to run.