Maxxum and Carl Millar win the Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle © Photo Healy Racing
Conditional jockey Carl Millar, who won the Ulster National on Friday evening, capped an incredible week when teaming up with old ally Maxxum to land the Listed Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.
Dublin born Millar, who enjoyed a big win aboard the seven-year-old at the Dublin Racing Festival back in February, has really seen his career take off in recent months.
A fine judge of pace, the young jockey had Maxxum up with the pace throughout, before taking over with four to jump. Pressing his advantage further entering the straight, Millar quickened clear on the run to the last, keeping on strongly to hold Ashdale Bob by two-and-three-quarter lengths.
Millar said: Its absolutely brilliant, words can't describe it. The owners are brilliant to me and so was Gordon.
"I was really looking forward to getting back on board him anyways.
"I tried to ride him very similar to when I won at Leopardstown on him, just keeping it simple on him,. he just got into a lovely rhythm and wasn't for catching."
Elliott added: “Carl seems to only win 100 grand handicaps!
“He's a great fella, he's working full time in the yard and he deserves every bit of success he's getting.
“He doesn't do anything wrong and keeps it very simple.
“He was running a great race the last day in Fairyhouse and took a false step after the second last and fell. We came here fresh today, took a chance, and it worked out great.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
