Yorkshire raider Gale Mahler takes Galway Festival by storm

Gale Mahler made the journey over from her Yorkshire base to extend her winning sequence to six with a smooth display in the Colm Quinn BMW Novice Hurdle at the Galway Festival.

Trained by Irishman Adrian Keatley, who is now based near Malton, she was partnered expertly by Henry Brooke.

A winner of two bumpers, she had taken seamlessly to hurdles, winning at Market Rasen twice and Uttoxeter, but she faced a different calibre of opposition – with Willie Mullins, Henry de Bromhead, Gordon Elliott and Gavin Cromwell all represented in the Listed race.

The result never looked in much doubt, though, as the 9-2 shot, who was available at double-figure prices overnight, swooped around the outside of Paul Townend on Mullins’ Gaucher at the second last.

Le Coq Hardi made ground from the rear under Rachael Blackmore but Gale Mahler was in a different league and powered to a 10-length victory.

While she holds an entry in a handicap on the closing day of the Festival, Keatley suggested a break is now on the cards.

“We had to step her up in grade to see what we had and while it is very hard to judge English and Irish form, especially at this time of year, she was very impressive. She was well able to hold her own and we can now go home and start making proper plans,” he said.

“She doesn’t mind that ground, will handle slow ground too, so it’s onwards and upwards. She is very straightforward and genuine and while she doesn’t really need cheekpieces on, I’m afraid to take them off at this stage, as she hasn’t put a foot wrong.

“She is a very good mare and we’ll target some of the big races in the autumn and next spring now.”

He went on: “It’s a while since I was last in Galway but this place has been good to me and she has to be my most impressive winner here.

“I am mostly a Flat trainer but we love to have a few jumpers, as it keeps us busy during the winter, and this is one we will really look forward to.

“You always feel vulnerable coming back over taking on Willie (Mullins), Gordon (Elliott) and the lads, so there was a lot of satisfaction in this. I’ll go home, talk to Jimmy (Fyffe, owner) and I think she deserves a little break now.”