Wide Margin Winner Kicks Off Double For Mahler

Socially Distant (6m Mahler - Lakil Princess, by Bering) proved well-named when running out a wide margin winner of the Mares Maiden Hurdle at Wexford on Wednesday afternoon.

The Paul Nolan-trained mare had shown promise on debut when finishing second in a bumper and remained over two miles as she tackled hurdles for the first time. Chasing the leader under Bryan Cooper, she was pushed along approaching the second last and went clear at the final flight. Staying on well, she scored by 16 lengths on the line.

The impressive nature of her performance didn’t come as a surprise to her trainer, who said, “She is a very nice mare and has a wonderful pedigree.”

Owned by Philip Byrne and bred by Minch Bloodstock, the daughter of Mahler is a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Danny Whizzbang (Getaway) and Listed winner Lastbutnotleast (Flemensfirth).

Whispering Waters (8m Mahler - Eventide, by Where Or When) completed a double on the card for Beeches Stud sire Mahler when landing the Mares Beginners Chase under Trevor Ryan.

Tracking the leaders for much of the two mile contest, Martin Brassil’s charge made headway with four fences left to jump and asserted easily before the second last. Pushed along approaching the final fence, she was ridden out on the run-in to deny the favourite by three parts of a length.

Owned and bred by Mrs Breda Ryan, Whispering Waters is the first foal out of hurdle winner Eventide.