'She's not your typical mare' - Gale Mahler bound for Galway after completing fabulous five-timer

Gale Mahler teed up a trip to the Galway festival when she completed a five-timer this season with an easy success in the 2m4½f novice hurdle.

The Adrian Keatley-trained five-year-old had rapidly put four wins together in May and June, including an eight-length success at this track, and she put in another fine performance to extend her winning spree with a four-length victory under Henry Brooke.  

The jockey said: "She's very straightforward and an improving mare; she did as well as ever there. She's got a real good turn of foot and if all comes well she's off to Galway. 

"She's a very versatile little horse who takes plenty of racing and it's great when you get one like that. She's not your typical mare, she's very hardy."

Gale Mahler's win continued Keatley's own brilliant British jumps season, in which he is operating at a red-hot 37 per cent.

A step up to Listed company at the Ballybrit bonanza, which begins on July 29, was mooted earlier in the week and is set to be her biggest task yet.

Brooke added: "It's massively exciting. Adrian's doing a great job with her and always has a plan in his mind, so let's hope all the cards keep unfolding."

Castel finally lands his Summer Hurdle

Castel Gandolfo finally picked up Summer Hurdle glory when making it third-time lucky with a thrilling victory under Johnny Burke.

The Fergal O'Brien-trained seven-year-old finished runner-up in the last two runnings of the race, but got his head in front this time when holding off the fast-finishing Kihavah by half a length.

Burke said: "He's been around a while and placed here a lot. He was always finding one too good, but he felt great today. I got a great run round and every split that I needed came.

"He toughed it out as I was there too soon, but I had to take the split on the rail when it came. When he landed at the last he rallied at the line. He loves it here, so he could come back here for the Prelude meeting."

Nichol survives saddle drama

Craig Nichol had to be at his best when defying a slipping saddle in Dream Jet's success in the 2m1f handicap chase.

Despite being a comfortable three-length winner on paper, Nichol grabbed victory in the nick of time as the pad under the saddle came off fully once they passed the winning post.

The jockey said: "That was tough. I could feel after the last fence in the back straight that the saddle was slipping. It was a test of my balance, but he's a genuine horse and once he jumped the last I just needed him to be well-balanced himself."

Brilliant Bowens

They did not win the Summer Plate, but Peter and Mickey Bowen's fine month continued when Flying Fortune soared to win the 2m4½f handicap hurdle.

Mickey Bowen, who joined his dad on the licence this season, said: "I probably joined at the right time and I'm so lucky to be involved with some lovely young horses with Dad. It's all gone really well so far."

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