Son Of Mahler Takes Beginners Chase On Return

Brace Yourself (7g Mahler - Angelica Garnett, by Desert Story) made a winning return for the in-form Noel Meade stable when taking Saturday’s Beginners Chase at Gowran Park.

Sent off the even-money favourite for the two and a half mile contest, the chesnut made all under Sean Flanagan and was pushed along from three out. Staying on well on the run-in, he won by two and a quarter lengths, while the second drew 24 lengths clear of the third.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “He promised to be a good horse one time and hopefully he'll get back there.”

The Patricia Hunt-owned winner was gaining his first success over fences, having previously won a maiden hurdle and a bumper, while he was also Grade 2 placed as a five-year-old.

Bred by Robert McCarthy, Brace Yourself sold to Meade and Mags O’Toole for £165,000 after finishing a close second on his sole start for Warren Ewing.