Townend doubles up on Max

Paul Townend doubled up at Punchestown this afternoon when Tax For Max gained a deserved victory in the first division of the two-mile maiden hurdle.

The Maxios gelding had been placed four times over hurdles, including in Grade 3 company, and was sent to post a 3/10 shot today.

He was left in the lead by the fall of front-runner Flaming Moon at the fourth last flight and the result never looked in doubt after as he posted a three-and-a-half length victory over Esperti

Townend had also struck on Heia for boss Willie Mullins in the mares hurdles and he said of this winner:- “It looked an opportunity, especially when Keith (Donoghue) fell as he looked the obvious danger.

“Jack (Kennedy) loomed up and gave us a race of it all the same.

“I said beforehand that he was more manageable now but I didn't think he was that manageable. Maybe he's just learning and the fact that we were going a nice gallop suited as well.

“He's a grand horse and it will do him the world of good to win as he's been running in a lot of competitive races and getting hard races without getting his head in front. That will do his confidence the world of good.”