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Wednesday’s racing round-up brings news of a potential return to action for exciting novice chaser Maximilian…
Donald Mccain's Grade 1 placed hurdler Maximilian is set to make his chasing debut in the coming months. Having finished second to Apple Away in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree in 2023 and won the Grade 2 River Don Novices' Hurdle beating Stay Away Fay, the eight-year-old holds an exciting profile for fences. Last season, it was hoped that he would make an impact in the staying hurdling division, but he spent much of the year sidelined through injury. Now back in full training, trainer McCain has been hesitant to put a concrete date on his comeback but alluded to Christmas as a probable starting point.
Barry Connell has identified targets for his stable stars across the festive period. William Munny, a high-class bumper winner last season, is being aimed at Leopardstown's Christmas Festival. The six-year-old is set to run in the maiden hurdle on the 26th of December. Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Marine Nationale has had the Grade 1 Paddy's Reward Club Chase marked out as his task at the same meeting.
Heather, a daughter of Camelot and sister to Irish Derby winner Latrobe, was beaten on debut at Dundalk today. Saddled by Ger Lyons, the two-year-old made late headway to dispute the lead but was beaten a neck by Joseph O'Brien's Sweet Illusions. The smartly bred filly is out of Listed-placed Question Times, who is closely related to Chevely Park Stakes runner-up Sunday Times.
The charity Retraining of Racehorses is set to receive a funding boost on account of three major sales houses coming together to support their cause. Goffs, Tattersalls and Thoroughbid are all implementing a system whereby £6 is donated to RoR for every lot sold, with £3 being added on by vendors and purchasers. Bosses at RoR have welcomed the initiative, which will be introduced on New Year's Day and is forecast to run for two years, with further funding announcements anticipated in the coming months.