Son Of Milan Bounces Back In Beginners Chase

A return to Navan brought out the best in Mr Hendricks (7g Milan - Coming Home, by Exit To Nowhere) on Friday, when Jessica Harrington’s charge landed the Wilkinstown Beginners Chase under Robbie Power.

An impressive winner of a five-year-old maiden at Kirkistown for Kate Harrington, the son of Milan registered his first win under rules in a maiden hurdle at Navan last season. Racing over three miles on his latest start, the bay chased the leaders for much of the way and made headway to lead from two out. Clear approaching the final fence, he was pushed out to deny a late challenge by three parts of a length on the line.

The winning trainer later reported that the best is yet to come from the seven-year-old, saying, “Mr Hendricks won his maiden hurdle around this time last year and hasn't won since but he's only growing into himself now. He's an enormous horse, over 17 hands, jumped well and Robert is delighted with him. A long time ago I said the Midlands National at Uttoxeter so he could easily end up there.”

Owned by Mrs TK Cooper and Miss Diana Cooper, Mr Hendricks was bred by Pat Kinsella and is a three-parts brother to two talented chasers by Oscar.