On a television or telephone somewhere in Spain, the ten-past three at Fairyhouse was being watched with keen interest and there were probably a few shouts of joy in the Basgue language as Maxux skated home in the hands of Mikey Sheehy.

Trained for footballer Alvaro Odriozola Arzallus by Joseph O'Brien, the daughter of Frankel came with a withering run down the outer to lead over a furlong out in the Group 3 Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Fillies Stakes, added to the card after Gowran's Saturday cancellation, and powered clear to beat stablemate American Sonja by four and a quarter lengths.

The 10/1 winner had impressed on debut, ironically at Gowran, back in June.

“Mikey said they went a good gallop and it suited her. When she switches off early she seems to come home very well,” said assistant Sean Corby.

“It's nice to see her back to her best. She looked good first time and since then, she hasn't run badly but you'd probably be a small bit disappointed with her.

“It was nice to see her get her head back in front today and she won with plenty in hand.

“She's very valuable now and it's good for Alvaro as well, he's a good owner to have.”

Quotes from Gary Carson