Maxxum finds more from the front for Boyne Hurdle success

Maxxum knuckled down to provide trainer Gordon Elliott with a fifth victory in the William Hill Top Price Guarantee Boyne Hurdle at Navan.

The eight-year-old had failed to trouble the judge in four previous starts this season, most recently having his stamina limitations exposed over an extended three miles in the Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park less than three weeks ago.

Stepping back in trip for this two-mile-six-furlong Grade Two, 4-1 shot Maxxum was sent straight to the lead by Danny Gilligan and while he was strongly challenged by 15-8 favourite Thedevilscoachman approaching the final flight, Gilligan’s mount kicked four lengths clear on the run-in.

Thedevilscoachman, winner of the 2022 Boyne Hurdle, finished a clear second ahead of Maxxum’s stablemate Farren Glory in third.

“He had a good run in Gowran the last day over three miles, probably didn’t get home,” said Elliott, whose four previous winners of this race include dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll.

“We thought coming back to that trip today, if he got a soft enough lead, it would work well.

“Danny gave him a very clever ride and it was great.

“He did (battle well) – he picked up well, but he got a breather at the right time.”

Maxxum is likely to be on Elliott’s squad for next month’s Cheltenham Festival, with the trainer adding: “We will probably go Coral Cup now, I’d say.”