Max gets off the mark in style

Our Max quickened up in good style to run out a cosy winner of the Gilna's Cottage Inn Maiden at Laytown.

Shane Foley settled in behind the leaders on the Pat Martin-trained gelding before moving up to challenge at the two pole.

He asked his mount to hit the front a furlong-and-a-half out and he soon pulled away from his field, going on in the closing stages to record a handy three-and-a-half length success. Al Fahidi sent off the well supported 11/8 favourite, plugged on for second having raced prominently throughout.

The 10/3 winner had run well when second on his first start this term at Leopardstown but had been well held on three subsequent outings.

“I was a bit concerned it might be too quick for him. He’d a lovely first run for me at Leopardstown but was then a bit slow at the stalls a few times,” said Martin.

“Unfortunately his owner Patrick McCann couldn’t make it here today. He’s a good supporter of mine and sponsors the Armagh county team (Rainbow Communications).

“This place has been good to me over the years, although that’s my first winner here since 2009.”

Foley added: “He gave me a nice feel, that's the first time I've ridden him. I really enjoyed the surface and won with plenty in hand, it was just a matter of steering him.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)