Nicholls and Highclere team up for 13-length bumper win

Highclere Thoroughbred Racing’s blue silks have been associated with a string of top Flat performers and they look to have an exciting jumping prospect in the Paul Nicholls-trained If You Say Run (5m Mahler-De Lissa, by Zaffaran).

The Mahler mare, bred by Michael O’Regan, won a point-to-point in November before being sold to her current connections for £80,000 at Cheltenham a month later.

She made her first start for Highclere and Nicholls in a bumper at Chepstow on Monday and could not have been more impressive as she ran out a 13-length winner under Sam Twiston-Davies.

“It was a very nice start for If You Say Run as she picked up nicely when I asked her. She should be able to build on what she has just achieved,” said Twiston-Davies.

The Racing Post’s analysis added: “The second division of the mares' bumper saw an impressive winner. It was 6.9secs quicker than the preceding race. IF YOU SAY RUN wasn't for catching off the final bend and ran out a clear-cut debut winner under rules, with a tongue tie applied. Snapped up for £80,000 after an Irish point win, she looks the part and is obviously in the right hands so is one to look forward to over hurdles next term.”