Maximilian offers long term hope for Donald McCain with Doncaster triumph
Maximilian ridden by Brian Hughes
Graded winners are a little rarer these days for Donald McCain since the glory years of Peddlers Cross, so he was cherishing the success of Maximilian in the Albert Bartlett River Don Novices’ Hurdle.
Having lost his unbeaten record at Sandown last time out, McCain gave the seven-year-old a wind operation but openly admitted he thought it was going to be a big ask for his charge a long way from home on Town Moor.
Champion jockey Brian Hughes is that for a reason, though, and nursed the 13/2 chance into contention approaching the second-last in the Grade Two affair.
Hurricane Bay and Stay Away Fay were tough competition, but Maximilian stuck gamely to his task and prevailed by a length.
He was roared back into the paddock by scores of members of his Owners Group syndicate, a group who have supported McCain well.
McCain is not struck on a Cheltenham bid, however, and Aintree seems more likely.
"I nearly walked away with a circuit to run. He's got that in him, he can switch off," said McCain.
"He's one of those staying hurdlers who races off the bridle and saves plenty for himself.
"If he'd gone clear he'd have probably pulled up, like those good staying hurdlers when he hits the front he thinks he's done enough."
He went on: "He hated the ground at Sandown, he wasn't right afterwards but he was still third in a Grade Two, we've always had a lot of faith in him but he'll never be flash.
"We'll go for a big novice, but I'm not a massive Cheltenham fan. He's a long-term horse and I've not got hundreds of these. Aintree would be first choice, I think.
"He jumps like he'll jump a fence, but I just wonder if he's one of those real staying hurdlers.
"The Owners Group are great, I'm lucky to have a few for them. It's the same wherever they run. It just works."
