Mahler Mare Extends Unbeaten Record Over Fences

The Jonjo O’Neill-trained Annie Mc (6m Mahler - Classic Mari, by Classic Cliche) brought her unbeaten chase record to three when justifying favoritism in Friday’s Mares’ Novices’ Chase at Bangor.

Ridden by Jonjo O’Neill Junior, the bay tracked the leader and led from after halfway. She looked the likely winner approaching the final fence and was eased down on the run-in, winning by five and a half lengths from If You Say Run (Mahler). The front pair finished 99 lengths clear of the third horse.

Speaking after the race, the winning jockey said, “It's quite hard jumping out of that ground today but Annie Mc didn't make it seem hard work. She's done well to win three novice chases. She's got bags of scope, she's quite classy and she's going the right way.”

Owned by the Coral Champions Club, Annie Mc also won twice over hurdles last season and previously finished second on both her starts in point-to-points for Sean Doyle. The daughter of Beeches Stud sire Mahler was bred by Jay Kavanagh out of a half-sister to dual Grade 1 winner Princeful.