Maze wins Aintree Hurdle

Asian Maze, trained by Tom Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, has won the Scottish And Newcastle Aintree Hurdle.

Asian Maze led her rivals a merry dance to land the Grade One Scottish And Newcastle Aintree Hurdle under Ruby Walsh.

A recent faller in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Walsh made sure there was no hanging about aboard the 4-1 chance and made sure it was a thorough test of stamina.

Former champion Hardy Eustace (5-2) looked to be travelling as well as the winner with half a mile to run but the Tom Mullins-trained mare pulled 17 lengths clear up the straight.

Coral Cup winner Sky’s The Limit (11-4) also travelled well for a long way but finished a further seven lengths back in third.

Last year’s winner Al Eile was a huge disappointment after a mistake on the first circuit and was never competitive.