Improving Son Of Milan Strides Clear In Maiden Hurdle

A step up in trip saw the promising Not Available (6g Milan - Miss Arteea, by Flemensfirth) gain a deserved success at Kilbeggan on Thursday.

Third to Percy Warner on debut, the Henry De Bromhead-trained bay went one better next time out and was sent off favourite for the maiden hurdle over two miles and three furlongs. Rachael Blackmore rode the son of Milan to track the leader and the pair drew clear of their rivals, Blackmore producing her challenge at the second last. Ridden into the lead, Not Available extended his advantage at the final flight and ran on well to win by five and a half lengths.

Owned by Brian Acheson’s Robcour and bred by Cathal Ennis, Not Available was bought by his trainer for €135,000, having cost Aiden Murphy €52,000 as a foal. De Bromhead trained his half-brother Identity Thief to win twice at Grade 1 level.