Mahler Sires Competitive Chase Treble

Commanche Red (6g Mahler - Auntie Bob, by Overbury) thrilled connections when gaining his first chase success at Kempton’s Boxing Day fixture.

The winner of a bumper and twice successful over hurdles, the Chris Gordon-trained chesnut finished third on both his previous starts over fences. He took the lead at the third last on Thursday and ran on to win by nine lengths under Paddy Brennan.

Elated co-owner Richard Cheshire said after the race, “It's incredible, a dream come true. It doesn't get any better to have a winner on a day like this, it's fantastic.”Commanche Red was bred by John Travers and is a half-brother to talented dual-purpose campaigner Dani California.

Mah Mate Bob (Mahler) completed a double on the day for Beeches Stud sire Mahler when scoring over fences at Sedgefield. It marked a third win this season for the George Bewley-trained bay, who was placed on both his other starts. Owned by John Wade and bred by Miss Mary Barry, he is a half-brother to two black-type horses.

Later at Wincanton, Annie Mc (5m Mahler - Classic Mari, by Classic Cliche) completed a treble for Mahler when taking the Mares’ Novices’ Chase on her first start over fences.

Jonjo O’Neill Jnr steered the bay to a four length success for his father Jonjo O’Neill, with the favourite If You Say Run (Mahler) completing a 1-2 for the sire. Runner-up in two point-to-points for Sean Doyle and twice a winner over hurdles for owners the Coral Champions Club, Annie Mc was bred by Jay Kavanagh.