Mahler Mare Storms Clear In Listed Chase

Annie Mc (6m Mahler - Classic Mari, by Classic Cliché) relished Tuesday’s testing conditions at Doncaster, where she proved a class apart in the Listed Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares’ Chase.

A two-time winner over hurdles, the Jonjo O’Neill-trained mare completed a hat-trick over fences last season and returned to mares’ company on heavy ground on Tuesday. She was sent off favourite under Richie McLernon, who rode her to chase the leaders and took the lead four fences from home. Four lengths clear at the second last, she soon went clear and scored by 16 lengths on the line.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “She's always been a smart filly and that was great. The soft ground helped her and Richie gave her a great spin, so it all worked out well. On the way she went there, I'd say we'd be going for the new Mares' Chase at Cheltenham.”

Owned by the Coral Champions Club, Annie Mc began her career with Sean Doyle, for whom she finished second on both her starts behind the top-class Honeysuckle and subsequent Listed winner Silver Forever.

The daughter of Beeches Stud sire Mahler is the best performer bred by Jay Kavanagh out of Classic Mari, herself a half-sister to dual Grade 1 winner Princeful.