Power Roche completes quick double on Maxios Prime

After taking the opener on Great Attitude Tiernan Power Roche quickly doubled-up aboard Maxios Prime in the Download The Tote App Handicap Hurdle.

A faller two out when still in contention at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day, the Philip Rothwell-trained victor fluctuated in the market for this two-mile heat, eventually going off a 9/1 chance in the colours of the Living Life to The Maxios Syndicate.

With Lakota Blue quickly establishing a sizable advantage under Carl Millar, Power Roche was content to settle his mount in a share of second, closing on the front-runner from the third last flight.

Easing to the front early in the straight, the 93-rated victor was ridden between the final two flights and while she blundered at the last, still came home two-lengths to the good.

A big drifter in the market from 6/4 to 10/3, Janes Harbour was given a lot to do by Mark Walsh and after racing towards rear, she eventually finished a never nearer second, catching the eye not for the first time.

The front pair went seven and a half lengths clear of Butter Fingers in third, while Lakota Blue, who was returned the 11/4 favourite, was another 18-lengths away in fourth.

"I'd say we just got away with it, she's a filly that probably struggled on that ground but I think all of the juveniles did," Rothwell commented.

"We had a lovely racing weight (9-13), Tiernan's 5lb claim was invaluable and thank God we had it there today as we needed everything that we had.

"I thought after falling the last day in Down Royal that she jumped very well today.

"The syndicate were supportive because I had her entered in Punchestown a few weeks ago and decided not to go because I thought it was going to be too tough there that day.

"I think she'll appreciate it a little bit better and I think she'll get a little bit further on better ground.

"We're just feeling our way with her.

"I bought her at the foal sales, she was only a grand. I actually bought two or three on the day and I saw her walking in and couldn’t go home without her - I loved her.

"I syndicated her last year and it's lovely that she’s won."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson