Son Of Maxios Completes Three Timer In Valuable Contest

Gaelic Warrior (5g Maxios - Game Of Legs, by Hernando) made it three from three this season when carrying top weight to victory in the valuable Grade B Liffey Handicap Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Narrowly denied at the Cheltenham Festival on his first start for Willie Mullins, the son of Maxios impressed with an 86 length win on his seasonal return and followed up with another taking performance last month. Sent off favourite at Leopardstown, the bay travelled strongly throughout under Paul Townend and was travelling best when leading before the final flight. Soon clear, he was ridden out to score comfortably by three lengths and three quarters.

“Gaelic Warrior has a bit of class and he proved it there,” the in-form Willie Mullins said after the race. “To do that in a competitive handicap was very good. We always thought he had a serious engine and he's progressing all the time.” On future plans, the trainer commented. “He's in the Supreme and Ballymore, I'll have a good chat with Paul later on and see what direction we go with him.”

Owned by Mrs Susannah Ricci, Gaelic Warrior was purchased privately from the stable of Hector de Lageneste and Guillaume Macaire. The son of Maxios was bred by the Niarchos family, who raced his Castlehyde Stud sire to win twice at Group 1 level.