WHILE buying young National Hunt horses in France has become increasingly popular in recent years with Irish owners and trainers, Downpatrick’s Jeremy Maxwell is a veteran when it comes to dealing with French breeders and he has had great success in this field.

This season, one of the flagbearers for the Glebe House Stud owner is Easysland who gave J.P. McManus the third of four winners on Wednesday when impressively landing the cross-country chase under Jonathan Plouganou. McManus purchased the David Cottin-trained six-year-old following his win in a similar contest at Prestbury Park in December.