Maximilian remains unbeaten

Twenty four hours after Wincanton and Taunton abandoned their forthcoming fixtures due to prevailing fast / hard ground, the rain arrived in Cumbria ensuring Carlisle's second meeting of the season was run in soft conditions. The highlight of the afternoon was provided by Maximilian who extended his unbeaten record on his hurdles bow in the two and a half miles novice event. The six year old won his only Irish point for Donnchadh Doyle this time last year before being purchased by Donald McCain on behalf of the Owners Group. A dual bumper winner at Carlisle for his new connections during the second half of last term, the Adlerflug gelding returned to the same venue on Thursday and registered a length and a quarter win on his first start over timber. Well positioned throughout by dual champion jockey Brian Hughes, the stayed on dourly after the last to beat another ex-pointer Harjo. Stamina looks his strong suit (three miles won't be an issue later in the season) and he seemingly relishes easy ground. Maximilian may not be a top notcher but he is a tough individual who is likely to win at least two or three times over hurdles before going chasing in twelve months time.

Later in the afternoon, Donald McCain doubled up and sent out his 55th winner of the campaign when Minella Plus (6/5) took the three runner novices' handicap chase at Ludlow by four lengths. It is worth noting McCain had trained 54 winners at the end of October last season (personal best season of 155 winners). Both horses featured in Donald's interview in the Talking Trainers section of OJA. The Talking Trainers section has already produced in excess of 30 winners, which isn't bad considering OJA was only published 4 weeks ago.

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