Son Of Mahler Gains Well-Deserved Graded Victory

American Mike (7g Mahler – American Jennie, by Lord Americo) proved his stamina when taking Sunday’s Grade 2 Novice Chase at Navan.

Gordon Elliott’s charge returned to three miles for the first time since bolting up in a four-year-old maiden for Sean Doyle, a performance that saw him sell for £195,000. Partnered by Jack Kennedy on Sunday, he eased into the lead after three out and was ridden clear approaching the final fence. He dug deep on the run-in to deny a late challenge by Nick Rockett (Walk In The Park), prevailing by a length and a quarter on the line.

It marked a deserved maiden win at Graded level for American Mike, who previously won a Listed bumper and twice placed at Grade 1 level. He holds an entry in the Turners Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, for which he is now 12/1, while his trainer also mentioned the Irish National as a possible target.

Owned by Bective Stud, the son of Mahler was bred by Louis Murray and Colm Moran.