Son Of Maxios Gains Third Listed Win In Style

Whymper (4g Maxios - Wurfspiel, by Lomitas) returned to gain the third black-type success of his career in Tuesday’s Listed Prix Melanos hurdle at Auteuil.

The Hugo De Lageneste and Guillaume Macaire-trained four-year-old won a Listed chase in November and made a successful return to hurdling in a Listed contest in May. Racing over the latter’s course and distance on Tuesday, the bay raced in midfield in the early stages, before being sent to lead early in the final circuit by Baptiste Le Clerc. He soon built up a sizeable advantage and always looked in command, as his nearest rival narrowed the gap to two lengths on the line, with another three lengths back to the third horse.

Tuesday’s performance may earn Whymper a return to Graded company, having placed on his only start at Grade 3 level. Bred by Gestut Fahrhof, the son of Maxios has earned almost €230,000 in prize money for owners Ecurie Hugo and Pierre Pilarski, Palmyr Racing and Jeannot Andt.