Mahler 1-2 In Grade 2 Novices Hurdle

A step up to three miles brought a career-best performance from the progressive Mahler Mission (6g Mahler - Finnow Turkle, by Turtle Island) as he led home a Mahler 1-2 in the Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster.

An impressive winner of his maiden hurdle earlier this month, the John McConnell-trained bay was reunited by James Bowen on Saturday and raced close to the pace throughout. Shaken up to lead with three flights left to jump, he was ridden out on the run-in to score by two lengths. The Real Whacker (Mahler) claimed runners-up honours, finishing 14 lengths clear of the field.

“Mahler Mission is improving all the time,” McConnell commented after the race. “He isn't six until June and he's still a baby. I stuck him in the Albert Bartlett this week and he's definitely good enough to run.”

Owned by Colm Herron, Mahler Mission was bred by Ivor Dulohery out of a half-sister to three black-type performers by Oscar.