IT could be argued that Maxxum is one of the more unheralded campaigners in Gordon Elliott’s yard, but the gutsy operator proved just how tough a nut he is to crack when getting his favoured conditions by adding the Grade 2 William Hill Boyne Hurdle to an already strong CV.

Best known prior to this as a major handicap hurdle winner at the Dublin Racing Festival, Leopardstown Christmas Festival and Punchestown Festival, Patrick Rabbitt’s homebred was in no mood to be denied under Danny Gilligan as he provided Gordon Elliott with a record-equalling fifth win in the race.

Thedevilscoachman, sent off the 15/8 favourite on the back of a promising second in the Galmoy Hurdle after a layoff last month, travelled up well as the race came to the boil. However, he couldn’t find as much off the bridle as the determined winner.

Four lengths was the winning margin for the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle entry, who was cut to 25/1 (from 40/1) with the Cheltenham sponsors for that three-mile Grade 1. However, he looks likelier to swap back to handicap company at the Festival, having won here with a rating of 149 (runner-up rated the same).

Elliott said: “He had a good run in the Galmoy at Gowran the last day over three miles [when sixth]. He probably didn't get home then.

"We thought coming back to that shorter trip today, if he got a soft enough lead, it would work well. Danny gave him a very clever ride and it was great. He did battle well. He picked up well, but he got a breather at the right time. We will probably go Coral Cup now, I'd say."

Double up

Elliott got the afternoon off to a winning start when Honesty Policy went one better than an encouraging hurdling bow at Naas last month in the Navan Ford & Opel Maiden Hurdle over just shy of two miles.

Francis Mangan’s point-to-point recruit found plenty for pressure to score by eight lengths as 6/4 favourite from Eddie Cawley’s Come Walk With Me.

"He's a nice horse, and the further he goes I'd say the better he will be,” said Elliott.

"In fairness, Aubrey [McMahon] bought him out of Pat Doyle's, recommended him to Fran and I was lucky enough that they sent him to me.

"He had a good run the last day at Naas and he followed up there today. We have no real plan but I'd imagine he is going in the right direction. He will be a nice chaser down the road.”