Son Of Mahler Impresses In Grade 2 Novice Hurdle

Bill Joyce (5g Mahler – Bettys Delight, by Flemensfirth) ran out a commanding winner of Friday’s Grade 2 Winter Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown, to make it two from two over hurdles.

Bought for £225,000 after a smart debut for Benny Walsh, Jonjo and AJ O’Neill’s recruit won his first two starts under rules and delivered on his racecourse return last month. Partnered by Jonjo O’Neill Junior once again on Friday, he raced prominently throughout the two and a half mile contest and led the field turning for home.

He was last off the bridle, O’Neill asking him to quicken approaching the penultimate flight and stayed on well on the run-in to score by five lengths. The front pair finished 23 lengths clear of the remainder.

“He's always given us excitement and continues to do so,” said joint-trainer AJ O’Neill. “Bill Joyce is a chaser in the making, so anything he does now is just a bonus. We'll enjoy today and just think about what comes next later.”

The Mahler gelding is owned by Dan Walker and was bred by Mary Hayes. His dam’s only other runner, Churchroad Prince (Mahler), contests a Grade 3 Novice Hurdle at Cork on Sunday.