Son Of Mahler Remains Unbeaten Over Fences

The Nicky Henderson-trained Ok Corral (9g Mahler - Acoola, by Flemensfirth) made it two from two over fences when taking the Listed Hampton Novices’ Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

A runner-up in Grade 1 company over hurdles, JP McManus’ charge won his chase debut at Plumpton last month and was sent off second favourite for his latest start. Held up by top amateur Derek O’Connor, he improved to chase the leader from the third last fence and led approaching the final fence. Shaken up by O’Connor, he stayed on well on the run-in to beat Grade 2 winner Secret Investor by six lengths.

"I was under no pressure and Ok Corral jumped well and won handily." The National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is now presumably the aim for Ok Corral, a plan that bodes well given that last year’s winner Ms Parfois, also by Mahler, went on to finish a close second at the Festival.

Bred by Declan Dorgan, Ok Corral was bought by Nicky Henderson for €90,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale. Mahler remains at a fee of €5,500 at the Beeches Stud this season.