First winner for Knockmullen House resident Silas Marner

The opening Prix Robert Chibracq hurdle at La Teste on Wednesday provided a landmark moment for Knockmullen House Stud stallion Silas Marner as he sealed his first winner.

The son of Muhtathir was recruited to County Wexford only last year by stud manager Gordon Doyle jnr with a view to providing an outlet for the blood of his notable sire, who is responsible for French National Hunt stallion sensation Doctor Dino.

Silas Marner, a Group 3-winning miler, has been having some runners from his small crops produced at Haras de Saint-Vincent. A few had been seen on the Flat and just one other in National Hunt circles.

Victory came through newcomer Purple Song, owned and bred by Alan Jathiere, who owned Silas Marner himself through much of his racing career.

The Francois Nicolle-trained filly, who edged out Muthathir's son Loutathir, was bred out of black type-winning hurdler and Turgeon mare Tango Lima. She has already produced I'm Walkin', winner of a Listed hurdle at Auteuil.

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