Son Of Mahler Gains Deserved Graded Win

Journey With Me (7g Mahler - Kilbarry Demon, by Bob’s Return) led home a 1-2 for Coolmore NH sires in the Grade 3 Directors Plate Novice Chase at Naas on Sunday.

Henry de Bromhead’s charge impressed in a Beginners Chase over course and distance earlier in the season, before being narrowly denied in a Grade 3 last time out. Sent off favourite to go one better at the weekend, he was ridden to make all by Rachael Blackmore and was pushed along when challenged at the second last. Soon ridden, he kept on well on the run-in to win by three lengths from Limerick Lace (Walk In The Park) The pair finished 25 lengths clear of the remainder.

Speaking after the race, stable representative Robbie Power said, “He’ll either go to Fairyhouse for the Grade 1 novice over two and a half miles or he could go to Aintree or Punchestown for a three-mile Grade 1. He’s entitled to take his chance in a Grade 1.”

Journey With Me has been owned by Robcour since impressing at Ballindenisk on his sole start for Michael Murphy. Bred by Con O’Keeffe, the son of Mahler went on win his bumper impressively and scored on his first two starts over hurdles.