Mahler Sires Smart Weekend Double

Wagner (5g Mahler – Astalanda, by Sendawar) could not have been more impressive when making a winning return in Saturday’s maiden hurdle at Fontwell.

Bought by Anthony Honeyball for the Potwell Racing Syndicate after his wide-margin point-to-point win Josh Guerriero, he was last seen finishing third on his hurdle debut in January. Sent off joint-favourite on his latest start, he was ridden to make all by Rex Dingle and went clear from after the second last. Drawing clear with ease, he won by 18 lengths.

Bred by Martin McDermott, he completed the first leg of a weekend double for Beeches Stud sire Mahler. The following day at Buckfastleigh, Sun Rising Hill (4g Mahler – Mini Karinga, by Karinga Bay) made a winning debut in the flat race for four and five-year-olds.

The Francesca Nimmo-trained bay won by four lengths under Miss Alice Stevens, carrying the colours of the Walnut Hill Partnership. Bred by John Edwards, Sun Rising Hill is a half-brother to useful hurdler Dromore Lad (Flemensfirth).