Maxwell opens training account with Play It Again Zaam

Conor Maxwell saddled his first winner as a trainer when Play It Again Zaam stormed clear under Robert Whearty to take the Save 33% Buying Tickets Online Handicap at Gowran Park.

The Elzaam gelding was sent off a 4/1 chance having been placed on his latest two starts and despite drifting a bit right stretched right away inside the final furlong to beat Kodiac Prince by seven lengths. Tall Story was a length and a quarter further back in third with The Bog Bank completing the places in fourth.

Maxwell said, “He’s been running well, running consistently and it’s nice to get off the mark.

“I rode him myself the last day and he ran a blinder but I thought I should have claimed off him.

“Robert rides out for me along with James Ryan and it’s nice to give him a winner as well.

“I had my last ride over jumps at Down Royal on Monday and I’m focusing on training and riding a bit on the Flat for the summer.

“We have 18 in at the minute. We have seven in training and the rest are breakers. We’re nice and busy and building up our facilities.

“We have some Flat horses and some jumpers, and I wouldn’t mind training plenty of Flat horses.

“The last few years I’ve focussed a lot on the Flat and rode out for a lot of trainers. I’ve kept my eyes open and learned something everywhere I go so hopefully it will pay off.”

He added, “He’s entered at Roscommon on Monday and will probably go there.”