Progressive Chaser Leads Home Mahler 1-2 In Grade 2

Sunday saw Churchstonewarrior (8g Mahler - Western Approaches, by Westerner) lead home a 1-2 for Beeches Stud sire Mahler in the Grade 2 Novice Chase at Navan.

Jonathan Sweeney’s charge came into the three mile contest having finished second on all his previous starts over fences, most recently in the Grade 1 Novice Chase at Leopardstown, and was sent off second favourite to go one better at Navan. Racing prominently throughout under Aidan Coleman, he produced a strong challenge three from home and led at the second last. Ridden from the final fence, he kept on well to beat the favourite Mahler Mission (Mahler) by three parts of a length.

“That's great,” a delighted Jonathan Sweeney said after the race. “Aidan was very happy with him and said he jumped well. He's developing away and improving all the time. I'd imagine he could be a National horse in time.”

Sunday’s performance saw Churchstonewarrior shorten in price for the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Owned by Tom Hegarty and bred by Thistletown Stud, the progressive son of Mahler adds to two wins and a pair of Graded placings over hurdles, as well as an impressive bumper win.