Mclernon scores victory on birthday
Richie Mclernon admitted that riding a winner on his 36th birthday made him “feel 21 again” after striking on the Neil Mulholland-trained Lord Accord (15-2) on day two of The Showcase at Cheltenham on Saturday.
The seven-year-old arrived for the 888Sport Is Made To Play Handicap Chase fit after a pipe opener over hurdles at Worcester last month, and he built on a promising novice campaign last term with a likeable display here, putting his rivals to the sword courtesy of a perfect round of jumping to score by four and a half lengths.
It was a performance which delighted Mclernon, who feels there could be more to come yet from the son of Yeats.
He said: “That was very nice and he jumped superbly, everything just went to plan. Fair play to Neil as he had him right. I was just concentrating on my own lad throughout to be honest and he was in a great rhythm. He never lost momentum so I was very happy with him.
“He’s not had many goes and he’s still only filling his frame, so he could be a nice horse to go forward with. I am delighted for the owners Lynne and Angus Maclennan as they are very nice people and I’m thrilled to get a winner on my birthday.
“That winner made me feel like I was 21 for sure.”
Meanwhile, the winning trainer suggested next month’s Coral Gold Cup at Newbury as a possible target for his charge. He added: He’s a nice staying chaser and it helped having the recent run under his belt.
“He does jump and stay so it is races like the Coral Gold Cup that you should be aiming for and having a look at. This horse wouldn’t want it too soft which is why Newbury might suit him. We’ll run him wherever the ground is nice.”
It took Mulholland’s tally up to 34 for the campaign, which is only just starting to kick into gear.
His last winner came at Stratford on October 15 when 11/1 chance Man Of The Sea came home by three-quarters of a length.
Mulholland is currently fifth in Jump Trainers’ Championship having already scooped over £350,000 in prizemoney.