Lucky Max landed a gamble in the Powerstown Demesne (QR) Handicap Hurdle, as he just got the better of I See The Moon by a neck.

Pulled up on his first two starts in point-to-point's, the Sean Doyle trained five-year-old was a solid fifth on his racecourse debut at Naas in January, but was well-beaten over three miles on his most recent start at Thurles.

Back in trip this afternoon and available at 25/1 in early shows, the son of Maxios came in for plenty of market support and was as short as 7/2 this morning.

He eased on track from 4s to 11/2 and was settled in mid-division by Rob James, taking closer order from four out.

In front before the second last, he needed to be ridden out on the run-in to see off the late surge of I See The Moon (4/1jf), with Lake Chad (80/1) another length-and-a-half back in third. Go Gill Go was the other joint-favourite and she finished nine-and-a-half lengths back in fourth.

"We were hoping for a good run and while we didn't think he'd win, we thought he'd definitely be in the first three. I thought it was a winneable race,” Doyle said.

"This race popped up and we are massive supporters of Rob James and we are blessed in Wexford with all these good talented jockeys.

"The horse had a few runs in point-to-points but it didn't happen and I fancied him the last day in Thurles but for some reason he cut out and Richie (Deegan) couldn't believe it.

"I think he'll come on a little bit from this and he had a good blow.

"We'll have fun with this lad. He belongs to Donnchadh (brother) who is a good auld owner and I won't even have to send him a bill!"

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Stewards that Go Gill Go trained by James Grace had blood at both nostrils post race.

The Stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of Lucky Max (GER), trained by Sean Thomas Doyle, placed first, compared with its previous run in Thurles on the 20th March 2021 where he finished 11th of 16 runners. Evidence was heard from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board N.H. Handicapper Mr. Shay Quinn, who stated that Lucky Max had ran well on 8th of Feb 2021 when finishing 8th of 16 at Fairyhouse but disappointed on his subsequent starts. Mr. Sean Thomas Doyle stated that his horses were under a cloud from February to the end of the season and he had numerous other horses run disappointing in this period also primarily in point to points. He further added that he gave Lucky Max a lengthy break during which time he got much stronger and came back in training a different horse. He added that in his opinion this was a weak contest and his yard has returned to good form as results have shown recently especially in point to points. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanations offered.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes