Milan Forth continues his climb through the ranks

Image © Healy Racing

Westmeath rider Kevin Healy recorded his second win within the space of 24 hours when he guided Milan Forth to land the Bluegrass Mare Prepare Hunter Chase.

The 18-year-old had been aboard Bestaline when she landed the mares’ open at Daramona House on the previous afternoon, but the trip to the Co. Down venue on St. Patrick’s Day proved worthwhile for the Kinnegad native.

His mount was sent off as the 9/4 favourite for the two-and-a-half-mile contest, and having travelled strongly into contention approaching the home bend, he came on terms with the long-time leader Bold Fury at the third-last fence, and although that rival provided a persistent challenge up much of the home straight, the six-year-old began to get the upperhand of the exchanges before the final fence.

A good jump at the last sealed victory, and he just had to be kept up to his task to account for Bold Fury by two lengths, with a further five lengths back to Big Interest in third.

“He jumped very well, travelled well, quickened well, he did everything very well to be fair,” Healy said.

“We thought that the ground might be a bit quick for him coming here, but we said we would take our chance, and it paid off, he didn’t seem to mind it too much.

“He is always keen but he saves a lot for the end of it too. He always is a horse that has something in him. He has improved some amount since I first rode him. The boys have done a very good job with him.

“He has been a very good horse for me, I don’t think I would be anywhere without him to be fair, he owes me nothing and is talented.

“I’d say 2m4f is his trip, but he does stay all day. To be fair to him, he always tries his best, but I’d say 2m4f is his best trip.”

Having his first start for Rathowen trainer Adrian Murray, having been running between the flags for Simon Cavanagh, Milan Forth has won a trio of races in the pointing sphere this season, plus a pair of hunter chases, since being bought by current connections out of Donnchadh Doyle’s stable for £30,000.