Maxxum defies topweight to win Listed handicap under Carl Millar

The Gordon Elliott trained Maxxum put up what was arguably a career best performance when overcoming topweight to run out a gallant winner of the Listed Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.

A hugely impressive winner of a Pertemps Qualifier at this track last Christmas, the seven-year-old found life harder having been hit with an 18lb hike for that runaway success.

Having finished mid division in the series final at the Cheltenham festival, the Westerner gelding began the new season over fences, winning a Beginners Chase at Tipperary in May. However, after struggling in Grade 2 company on his next start, connections reverted to hurdling.

On the back of a disappointing effort when pulled up at this venue on his latest start, the gelding was sent off a 28/1 outsider here.

Always prominent under 7lb claimer Millar, Maxxum led after three out, kicking off the home bend and taking a couple of lengths out of his rivals. Gaoth Chuil threw down a determined challenge on the run to the last but the eventual winner found plenty under a strong ride from his young pilot.

"It's special to get a winner today. Jumped off handy and sat second, I was always in a lovely rhythm throughout the race. Gordon had good trust in me and told me to keep it simple."

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott said: "Carl is a good lad. He's well able to ride and just needs to tidy himself up a little bit now, get on the simulator. He's a good lad and works hard.

“Maxxum is a bit hot and cold and I thought the ground might have gone a bit soft for him. When you are in these handicaps you never know.

“We said we'd keep it simple, pop him out handy and see what happens.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson.