Returning Quilixios Draws Clear In Grade 3 Chase

Dual Grade 1 winner Quilixios (7g Maxios – Quilita, by Lomitas) made an impressive return to action in Sunday’s Grade 3 Barberstown Castle Chase at Naas.

Success never seemed in doubt for the Henry de Bromhead-trained bay, who jumped well and made all under Darragh O’Keeffe. Ridden before the final fence, he ran on well on the run-in to beat the favourite by seven and a half lengths, with another 13 lengths back to the third.

“That was great, I'm delighted with that,” said the winning trainer. “He jumped brilliant and I thought Darragh was brilliant on him. It's lovely to see him back to form again, he's got a lot of class.”

On future plans, De Bromhead added, “We'll have to dip into the top two-mile races and see where we stand. The Tingle Creek, Hilly Way and Leopardstown at Christmas are all open to him.”

Sunday marked an eighth career win for the Cheveley Park Stud-owned Quilixios, who has also placed at Graded level on three occasions. Bred by Gestut Fahrhof, the son of Maxios was purchased privately following an impressive win for Francois Nicolle.