Milan bumper star “could be something special”

Despite not having even reached his fourth birthday, Acey Milan (4g Milan-Strong Wishes, by Strong Gale) added another of Britain’s top bumpers to his record when a runaway victor at Newbury on Saturday.

The Milan gelding, who actually turns four in April, won Cheltenham’s Listed National Hunt Flat Race on January 1 (pictured) and lined up in a field of eight previous last-time-out winners in Listed company at Newbury.

Travelling well throughout, Acey Milan took the lead in the last quarter mile and lengthened well for a comfortable 11-length victory.

"That was very good,” said winning trainer Anthony Honeyball. "He is a nice horse and has progressed well. We knew after his win at Cheltenham last time that he goes on this ground. He was the baby of the field as he is still only four.

"I guess we will now have to look at the Cheltenham and Aintree bumpers now. He is a horse with a good stride and could be anything. He could be something special.

"He has come away like a good horse today and the way he travels I think he should have no problems with better ground.”

Acey Milan was bred by Mrs M O’Driscoll.