Talented Son Of Mahler Impresses On Chase Debut

American Mike (6g Mahler - American Jennie, by Lord Americo) successfully transferred his talents to chasing on Sunday, when making all to win the Beginners Chase at Navan.

The Gordon Elliott-trained bay was twice Grade 1 placed and a Listed winner in bumpers, before earning further graded black-type over hurdles last season. He was partnered by Jack Kennedy on his chasing debut and was ridden when challenged approaching the final fence. Keeping on well on the run-in, he beat fellow Grade 1 winner and favourite Fact To File by three and a quarter lengths, with a significant gap back to the third.

“I was delighted with American Mike,” the winning trainer said. “He looked good today and hopefully he can keep going forward. He could maybe go to Limerick for a Grade 1 race at Christmas.”

American Mike is owned by Bective Stud, who along with Elliott, bought the bay for £195,000 after his impressive debut for Sean Doyle. The talented son of Mahler was bred by Louis Murray and Colm Moran.