Son Of Milan Backs Smart Form With Easy Success

Decimation (6g Milan - Babies Present, by Presenting) gained just reward for three fine runs in defeat when justifying favouritism in Thursday’s maiden hurdle at Down Royal.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained bay had finished second to Grade 1 performers on all his previous starts and Rachael Blackmore adopted the same tactics on Thursday. Chasing the leaders for much of the way, he was pushed along to dispute the lead on the turn for home and led at the second last. Racing clear at the final flight, he won by ten lengths with ease.

Blackmore later described the Gigginstown House Stud-owned winner as “a lovely horse”. A €120,000 store purchase, the son of Grange Stud sire Milan was bred by E Broderick and M Slattary.