Son Of Mahler Maintains Perfect Record On Rules Debut

Pricey point-to-point purchase Encanto Bruno (4g Mahler - Stratosphere, by Selkirk) shaped like a smart prospect when making a winning rules debut in Friday’s bumper at Cork.

The son of Mahler won impressively on his sole start for Colin Motherway and was subsequently sold to John McConnell for £210,000. Now carrying the colours of Derek Kierans, he was held up behind the leaders by Ben Harvey and led approaching the two furlong marker. Ridden clear soon after, the bay showed signs of inexperience close home, but ran on to deny Cash The Cheque (Soldier Of Fortune) by a length and a quarter.

“He is a lovely horse,” Ben Harvey commented after the race. “He was impressive when he won his point to point and we've liked him ever since we got him. We haven't done a whole lot of work with him but what bits we have done, he has shown plenty.”

“He is still raw and learning and is a chaser in the making. He is by Mahler and they are tough and stay, so he should have a bright future.”

Bred by M O’Keeffe, Encanto Bruno is a half-brother to five-time winner Wintered Well (Milan).