Maxwell quick on the Uptake

Uptake led a massive field of 24 runners round Fairyhouse and didn't relent as he impressed in the 80-95 handicap hurdle over two and a half miles.

The eight-year-old gelding scored for the first time on his seventh racecourse outing. He was returned at 10/1. Tyrone Tiger the 9/2 favourite, appeared to be reeling the leader in as he improved into third at the fourth last and then second at the third last.

However, he was given the squeeze by Roger Loughran on the long run to the penultimate hurdle but could make no impression on Uptake.

The front-runner sailed over the final two hurdles and passed the post some seven and a half lengths to the good.

Tyrone Tiger in turn was six and a half lengths ahead of 50/1 shot Returntovendor with Star Of Angels rounding out the places at 20/1.

“He's a horse that's had leg troubles and we were waiting on a bit of nice ground with him,” handler Dermot McLoughlin said.

“He'll be a grand horse over fences in time if he stays right. It's all about keeping him right. He's a fine big horse and he can gallop.

“Conor said the loose horse was pushing him on all the time.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson