Milan mare lands Killarney feature

Lakemilan (7m Milan - Hartwell Lake, by Pistolet Bleu) landed another big prize at Killarney, as she took the feature on the opening day of the July Festival, the Grade B BoyleSports Handicap Chase.

Bred by James Browne, the Terence O'Brien trained seven-year-old was well supported and eventually went off the clear 11/8 favourite. Settled behind the leaders under Kevin Brouder, she challenged between horses approaching the last and soon led, running on well to score by 2½ lengths.

Earlier in the evening at Downpatrick Saint Or Sinner (5m Milan - Banbury Cross, by Supreme Leader) kickstarted a double for her sire Milan when she won the bumper at Downpatrick on debut.

Trained by Gordon Elliott for Pioneer Racing, the daughter of Milan is a full-sister to six-time winner The Paparazzi Kid and was bred by Pat O'Donovan.

Settled towards rear by Jamie Codd, the bay took closer order on the outer from the four-furlong pole and kept on best up the stands side rail in the closing stages, getting up to score by a short head.

Chris Donnelly from Pioneer Racing said afterwards: "She's a beautifully-bred filly and we are lucky to have her. Gordon (Elliott) said he knows she is a nice mare and that she would take a bit of beating today.