Son Of Mahler Rallies For Grade 1 Glory At Cheltenham

The Real Whacker (7g Mahler - Credit Box, by Witness Box) produced a career-best performance to remain unbeaten over fences in the Grade 1 Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase on Day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival.

Patrick Neville’s charge has proven a revelation over fences this season and advertised his liking for Cheltenham with wins in Class 2 and Grade 2 chases. The former came over Wednesday’s trip of an extended three miles and Sam Twiston-Davies adopted the same front-running tactics. Pushed along approaching the second last, he was ridden on the run-in and dug deep to deny dual Grade 1 winner Gerri Colombe on the line.

“It's a magic feeling,” said Patrick Neville after the race. “He's a super horse and his jumping was unbelievable. This is unreal, next year it'll be the Gold Cup.”

Sam Twiston-Davis added, “He's a fantastic racehorse and I'm so lucky to ride. Paddy said he was in really good nick and fair play, he was spot on.”

The Real Whacker previously showcased his talented over hurdles, having won a maiden hurdle and finished second in a Grade 2. The son of Mahler was bred by Mrs B Keane out of Credit Box, who has a two-year-old full-sister to the Grade 1 winner.