After a frustrating run of close seconds with my National Hunt runners in recent days, it was great to see Sir Maximilian win so impressively at Chester.
He has enjoyed success at the last two Dubai Carnivals, but this was his first win in the UK since landing the sprint handicap over this course and distance in May 2014.
He sported cheekpieces for the first time and Kieren Fallon said they helped Sir Maximilan put up such a good effort.
He enjoyed the decent early pace and the result was never in doubt from two furlongs out.
He has plenty of options in the next couple of months, and a run in the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot is a likely target.