Son Of Maxios Impresses Over Hurdles For Nicholls

Just days after Maxios was announced as a new addition to the Coolmore national hunt roster, he sired an exciting hurdler in the shape of Ecco (4g Maxios - Enjoy The Life, by Medicean).

The four-year-old was clearly held in high regard by Paul Nicholls, having run at Grade 1 level in March and was sent off favourite on his seasonal return at Wincanton on Thursday. He was one of nine to line up for the two mile maiden hurdle, with Harry Cobden riding the bay to track the leaders and moved into the lead approaching the second last. Asked to quicken between the last two, he extended his advantage to eight lengths with ease.

Now owned by Colm Donlon, Ecco was previously trained in Germany by Peter Schiergen, from whom he won over a mile and three furlongs on the flat. He was bred by Gestut Fahrhof, who previously stood Maxios, and is a half-brother to German Derby second Enjoy Vijay.