St Maxime, green sleeves on right, moves into contention© Photo Healy Racing
St Maxime got up in the shadow of the post to bring up her hat-trick when winning the extended three mile handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan.
She came into this contest in red-hot form having bagged two handicap chases in Perth and continued her winning run over the smaller obstacles.
The seven-year-old mare stayed on well into third at the second last flight. She was then ridden by Brien Kane to close down leader Naughty Molly who had set sail for home.
She jumped the last in unison with Naughty Molly and had her head in the right place as the pair quickly arrived at the winning post.
The 10/3 joint favourite won by a head from 20/1 shot Naughty Molly. Le Grand Chene (4/1) was three and a quarter lengths back in third.
Brien Kane said: "She's doing everything well. I'm surprised myself that she has done it again, it's great. Fair play to Gavin, it's a great training performance. We were a bit sceptical during the week about whether we were going to run her over hurdles or not. We thought it might be a good idea and sharpen her up. It has paid off.
"Fair play to Gavin, he said to me at the start of the year he would give me a chance and I can't fault him. That's winner number five for me. I'm enjoying every minute of it all."
Gavin Cromwell said: "She was lucky as she made a bad mistake five from home. He gave her a chance and luckily enough she got back up.
"She could go back over fences and we might see if there is something in Galway."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
