Promising Son Of Mahler Lands Maiden Hurdle

Bumper winner Come On Gruff (5g Mahler - Annie Grit, by Bach) built on a promising hurdle debut to justify favouritism in Friday’s maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter.

The Tom George-trained bay tracked the leaders under Jonathan Burke and produced a challenge three from home. Ridden to lead approaching the final flight, he ran on well to score by two and a quarter lengths.

Owned by NT Griffith and HM Haddock, Come On Gruff made a winning debut in a bumper last season and went on to finish fourth behind Jonbon (Walk In The Park), who landed a Grade 2 at Ascot on Friday afternoon. The son of Mahler was bred by A and M Mellerick and provides an important update for the mare’s colt foal by Wings Of Eagles.