Marie's Rock (Milan) winning the Introductory Hurdle at Haydock

Unbeaten Milan Mare Looks A Smart Prospect For Henderson

The Nicky Henderson-trained Marie’s Rock (4f Milan - By The Hour, by Flemensfirth) remains unbeaten after making a successful hurdle debut at Haydock on Wednesday.

Unseen since winning her bumper back in May, she took on the opposite sex on her return in the two mile contest and took a keen hold under Nico de Boinville. Making headway from three out, she was shaken up to lead on the run-in and quickened clear to win by five lengths in style.

A step up in class is now on the cards for the winner, according to Middleham Park racing manager Tom Palin, who said, “Marie’s Rock deserves a crack at black-type after that and we'll look at the Listed Mares' Novice at Taunton on December 30th.”

By Grange Stud sire Milan, Marie’s Rock was bred by Daniel Breen out of the four-time winner By The Hour (Flemensfirth).