Tax For Max enjoys himself in Punchestown © Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins doubled up at Punchestown when Tax For Max outclassed his five rivals in the William Hill Epic Value Hurdle.
The 5/4 favourite was in dominant form off the front and began to stretch his rivals after two out. He cruised away from them by the last and sauntered in by a decisive seven and a half lengths. Falcon Eight (7/4) took the runner-up prize for Dermot Weld and Darragh O'Keeffe.
“That was a good find. His best form is actually around here,” said jockey Paul Townend.
“The tongue-tie probably helped him and it's not winter ground or anything out there, he's not big.
“He deserved that because he runs well, but he's just been frustrating probably.
“He's relaxed a lot compared to what he was like. I remember the first day I rode him in Fairyhouse it was an experience for both of us.
“He's settled down a bit and he even ran in a rubber bit today with nothing on him. From trying to settle him he maybe got too settled.”
Mullins landed the preceding race on the card through 11/8 favourite Intranet
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
