Son Of Mahler Scores On Hurdle Debut

The Noel Meade-trained Battle Of Midway (5g Mahler - Womanofthemountain, by Presenting) made a successful start to his hurdling career when taking the Mervue Maiden Hurdle at Galway on Tuesday.

The winner of a bumper in March, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned bay was having his first run of the season and faced nine rivals in the two mile and three furlong test. Sean Flanagan rode him to chase the leaders, taking closer order two from home and led approaching the last. Soon challenged, he reacted well to pressure, running on well in the final 100 yards and scored by two and a half lengths.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer commented, “He stays well and loved the ground. He seemed to outstay the other fellow and he could go up to three miles now.”

A €50,000 store buy, Battle Of Midway was bred by Gabriel Fahy and is a full-brother to Manofthemountain, a winner over fences.