Grade 1 Placed Son Of Mahler Scores On Hurdle Debut

The exciting American Mike (5g Mahler - American Jennie, by Lord Americo) made a winning hurdle debut on the opening day of Down Royal’s two day meeting.

A Listed winner and twice Grade 1 placed in bumpers, the son of Mahler was sent off favourite on his seasonal return and raced prominently throughout under Jack Kennedy. Producing a challenge when travelling best of the field at the second last, he was soon in front and ran on well from the final flight to win by an easy six and a half lengths. Runner-up Letsbeclearaboutit (Flemensfirth) finished 28 lengths clear of the field.

American Mike provided Gordon Elliott with his fourth straight win in the race, with the three previous winners having all gone on to win at Graded level over hurdles.

Elliott and Bective Stud stretched to £195,000 for American Mike after Sean Doyle’s charge won a four-year-old maiden by 20 lengths on debut. The son of Mahler was bred by Louis Murray and Colm Moran.