Gale Mahler Eyes Return to Winning Form at Cheltenham

Gale Mahler will head back to Cheltenham next Friday, aiming to return to winning form following a rare defeat in Grade Two company. The mare, trained by Adrian Keatley, had been in stellar form, claiming victory in two bumpers and winning her first four hurdles races, including a Listed event at Galway where she overcame competition from top trainers’ stables, including Mullins, De Bromhead, and Elliott.

However, despite being the odds-on favourite to continue her streak, Gale Mahler was bested by Dan Skelton’s Valgrand at Cheltenham’s season opener. Keatley believes the performance was impacted by the mare’s unusual reaction. "She overheated and was shown to be in season a little bit, which is strange for this time of year, but it happens," he explained.

Now back in top form, Gale Mahler is set to tackle a longer distance in the two-mile-five Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle. "She’s perfect now, in great spirits," Keatley said. "She had every reason to down tools last time, but didn’t. You can’t be too disappointed with a second in a Grade Two, and the winner looks to be a strong contender."

Keatley plans to keep Gale Mahler on track for a spring campaign, with her next big test lined up at Cheltenham.