Maple on top in hunter chase

Champion point-to-point mare Maple Mons pulled clear in good style to take the Daily Mirror Hunters Chase at Down Royal.

The 5/4 favourite was given a patient ride by Declan Lavery and was produced to lead three from home in the two-and-a-half mile contest.

She was followed through by market rival Quiet Account (11/8) but proved too strong for that rival from the last, pulling clear in the closing stages for a seven length success.

The David Christie-trained winner had proven no match for top hunter Foxrock last time at Gowran but proved the class act today.

“We went with a plan last week (against Foxrock) to track him and stay away from him. They people said afterwards 'why didn't you make use of your weight advantage?' but sure there is no way to beat a 160-rated horse. You are never going to be right,” said Christie.

"They only crawled at Gowran and really only sprinted over the last three. She is actually in better shape probably today than before Gowran Park.

"She's the kind of mare that if you leave her off she stops eating so she can go back-to-back no bother. There's no hassle there. But I was impressed with her today the way she went away from the last.

"I'm delighted for her as this is her final season. She is going to a stallion. It's great to get this under her belt. She's probably the hardiest one I've ever trained.

"She might go for the Joseph O'Reilly. I'd be wary of Aintree as she is coming to the end of her career but we'll see."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)