Equinties - Newbury Saturday

Gm Equinauts

David f*****g Maxwell. What a bloke.

The loveable rider puts his money where his mouth is, and he has no owner to answer to because, well, he’s his own boss.

We love him for many reasons; his humour, his dedication and tireless effort to improve, but more, it’s we love his wholehearted love for riding good horses.

When walking out the weighing room yesterday to go find their horses in the pre-parade, Nico de Boinville, knowing full well Maxwell was going to win the opener, jokingly asked Maxwell do a big celebration across the line - stroke his mounts ears, big slap down the neck and finish with a skyward fist pump in front of the Newbury crowd.

David, of course, didn’t oblige despite getting the job done well, but Nico’s request, although in jest, is a quiet sign that Maxwell is still considered a source of amusement in the weighing room.

The joke was on Nico though for he finished out of sight, and Maxwell romped home on upcoming star QUEENSBURY BOY.

At the moment, QUEENSBURY BOY could very well be the best horse he’s ever, although he does have some serious, serious stock now.

He is however trainer Harry Derham’s best horse without a doubt. So, what’s the plan for him now?

Well, another trip over the water is not off the cards, as Derham said: “The only horse that’s beaten him is Wingmen, who has placed in a couple of Grade 1s and is rated 139. We’re very lucky to have him.

“He ran very well at Punchestown last year and while it’s a big step up in grade, he has class and he’s also fresh. A lot of these talented horses have had tough winters, whereas Queensbury hasn’t.”

“He’s a novice until the autumn, so the Persian War will definitely be in our mind. I know one of David’s dreams is to win the Cheltenham hunter chase. It’s a long time off, obviously, but hopefully he’ll be that standard one day.”

Clearly, there are three things to pick up on from these quotes. Punchestown could be next, the Grade 2 Persian War is on the agenda, and the Cheltenham Hunter Chase is ALREADY in the back of their minds.

He was always going to turn into a Hunter Chase horse all being well, but the Persian War shout is fun. It’s usually a weak enough race and Harry Derham is a mustard target trainer. Imagine if David Maxwell wins a Graded race in the UK!

He’s already won one over in France, but should there be a national holiday if he does win the Persian War? We think so.

What a man and what a horse he could have on his hands.

Thank you for your hospitability yesterday, David!

Let’s dive in.

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