'He was part of the family' - Shanagh Bob emerging as Aaron Doocey's hero

Cheltenham winner's County Waterford breeder works part-time at The Beeches Stud

Nico de Boinville riding Shanagh Bob (right, yellow) make late strides to win the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham Credit: Alan Crowhurst

When Aaron Doocey claimed easily his biggest success as a breeder through Shanagh Bob in the Grade 2 at Cheltenham on Saturday, he immediately knew who he needed to thank.

As a part-time worker at The Beeches Stud, Doocey is more closely acquainted than almost anyone else with Mahler, the stallion responsible for siring the unbeaten Bristol Novices' Hurdle winner.

"Mahler got a hug in the morning," says Doocey. "I still can’t believe it, to be honest. He’s the first black-type winner I’ve bred. Everyone’s telling me and I still can’t process it."

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Tom PeacockSpecialist writer of the year

Published on 18 December 2023inNews

Last updated 15:59, 18 December 2023

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