Millionaire amateur jockey David Maxwell cops abuse from punters again after ride on Joker De Mai at Hexham

MILLIONAIRE amateur jockey David Maxwell felt the full wrath of punters once again after this ride on Joker De Mai at Hexham.

Property developer Maxwell was rightly applauded for his brilliant sixth place on Ain’t That A Shame in the Grand National earlier this month.

Sky Sports Racing

David Maxwell looked to be in a strong winning position but he and horse Joker De Mai found absolutely nothing in the closing stages of this Hexham race[/caption]

Sky Sports Racing

Veteran pro jockey Richie McLernon comfortably got the better of his amateur rival in the closing stages[/caption]

The adventurous owner-jockey won £30,000 for his placed finish in the world’s most famous race.

But he came crashing back down to earth when this ride on 4-9 fav Joker De Mai caught the eye on Monday.

The Harry Derham-trained five-year-old jumped to the lead two out in the Class 4 novices’ hurdle over 2m.

But he found absolutely nothing in the closing stages, allowing Richie McLernon to pounce on 2-1 Tedtwo and land the £5,000 pot.

Joker De Mai has finished second in his past four runs having looked in a strong position to win on all four occasions.

And this was the fourth time in a row he returned a beaten favourite, having been sent off 15-8, 11-4 and 11-10 previously.

Maxwell, 45, was in the saddle for his only win, a 2m3½f handicap hurdle victory at Lingfield, last December.

But punters quickly forgot that and Maxwell’s Aintree heroics when making their opinion felt on this Hexham finish.

One wrote: “David Maxwell is a by all accounts a very nice chap but he has no drive in the saddle.”

Another said: “A loss on a 4-9 shot, he’s done it again!”

While one punter posted: “He is the worst jockey out there.”

In fairness Maxwell has himself admitted he is not the best and finds it a privilege to be able to race against professionals.

And his Grand National finish shows he has every right to be out there because he can get round safely.

But there was no joy with his other runner on the card either.

The Paul Nicholls-trained Strategem was beaten 139 lengths into fourth in a gruelling Class 5 hunter chase over 3m.

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org