Son Of Maxios Eases Clear In Grade 1 Chase

Gaelic Warrior (5g Maxios – Game Of Legs, by Hernando) impressed when recording his second Grade 1 success in the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick on Thursday.

Willie Mullins’ charge drew clear to his first top-flight success at the end of last season and returned last month to win his chase debut by 15 lengths. He was sent off favourite to follow up under Patrick Mullins, who rode the bay to make all and began to ease clear from the second last. Eased down on the run-in, he led by five and a half lengths on the line, as his rivals did their best to narrow the gap.

The performance saw Gaelic Warrior become even-money favourite for the Turners Chase, though the winning rider expressed his doubts on returning to Cheltenham. “Cheltenham doesn't really suit him. The Turners is run on the New course, which is not as tight as the Old course, but he is better going right-handed. Going left-handed at Leopardstown in February is one option; maybe we should try it and see.”

Gaelic Warrior has now won six of his eight starts since joining Willie Mullins, having finished second on his only other starts in a Grade 3 and Grade 1 at Cheltenham. Owned by Mrs Ricci, the son of Castlehyde Stud sire Maxios was bred by the Niarchos family.