James Bowen rode Mam Trasna© Photo Healy Racing
Mam Trasna paid a handsome compliment to Gordon Elliott’s Malone Road when running out a comfortable winner of the Racing TV Free For A Month Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race at Kelso.
Heavily backed pre-race from 5-1 into 6-4, the five-year-old eventually drifted back out to 100-30 in the face of support for Nicky Richards’ newcomer Glenduff, a half-brother to Willie Mullins’ Champion Bumper winner Relegate.
Trained by David Broad, Mam Trasna had finished third on his debut at Punchestown when beaten 18 lengths by Malone Road, who is prominent in the betting for the championship event at Cheltenham, although Elliott has stated he faces a race against time to make it having met with a setback.
Ridden confidently by James Bowen on this occasion, Mam Trasna cruised into contention before hitting the front just over a furlong out.
Glenduff, who had raced wide throughout, tracked him but could not quicken up in the same manner, looking slightly green on his debut, as Mam Trasna pulled three lengths clear.
Wherever the winner goes next he is likely to be in different silks, with County Meath-based Broad confirming he is for sale.
“We think he’s a very smart horse and he’s for sale now,” said Broad.
“He improved for his first run, he’s got a good pedigree to go with it so he’s a horse with a bright future.
“He quickened up smartly and will make someone a nice horse, he’ll probably go to the sale.
“He’d be entitled to take his chance in the Cheltenham Bumper after that, I’d say, he’s got a bright future.”
He added: “We’re just a small operation. I’ve only got six or seven in training now, I’m more into the buying and selling.
“I sold one to Dr (Richard) Newland before Christmas and he’s won two already, Jimmy Rabbitte.”
