Mahler Mare Doubles Up In Grade 3 Contest

The progressive Kilbarry Chloe (5m Mahler - Kilbarry Gem, by Bob’s Return) made it two from two over hurdles in Sunday’s Grade 3 Shannon Spray Mares Novice Hurdle at Limerick.

Bred and trained by Con O’Keeffe, who owns the mare with Tadhg O’Sullivan, the daughter of Mahler was placed in four of five bumper starts and made a winning hurdle debut last weekend. She appeared to relish a step up to two miles and six furlongs on Sunday and cruised into the lead on the turn for home. Shaken up to draw clear approaching the final flight, she was pushed out by Mike O’Connor to win by three lengths and three quarters, the field strung out behind the runner-up.

“Kilbarry Chloe had been promising that all year,” O’Keeffe commented after the race. “She's a staying mare who needs soft ground. It came too soon after her Wexford win, but today's conditions were perfect and these Graded races don't come so often so you have to take your chances.”

Kilbarry Chloe is a full-sister to chase winner Kilbarry Calling (Mahler) and has a half-brother by Soldier Of Fortune which sold for €62,000 at last year’s store sales.