Cheltenham next for Turtle Island bumper winner

15th February 2008

A new star could have been born at Chepstow on Thursday when Turtle Island’s son Mahonia (5g Turtle Island-Bell Walks Run, by Commanche Run) strolled away with the concluding bumper and is now Festival-bound.

Paul Nichollls’ charge, carrying the famous Best Mate colours of owner Jim Lewis, finished second on his only start in a point-to-point last year but looked the polished article on his bumper debut.

The five-year-old, who was bred by Robert Callaghan, is now heading for the G1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper at next month’s Cheltenham Festival.

"He is a proper horse and done this nicely so if the ground is OK I'll let him take his chance in the Cheltenham bumper," said Nicholls.