IT was a mixed week on the racing front for Downpatrick-born David Maxwell but the London-based commercial property developer timed things to perfection in front of a large TV audience when winning at Sandown last Saturday.

The only amateur in the 11-strong two and a half-mile 32Red Handicap Chase, Maxwell was on board his own Philip Hobbs-trained Chef D’Equipe, a six-year-old French-bred Presenting gelding who was purchased for €130,000 at the Arqana Sale in July. Guy Petit signed the docket that day but it was the owner/rider who picked the horse. “He was the standout I thought of the day – although there were some good horses in that sale. I just couldn’t stop looking at him. It was love at first sight.”