Mr Everest hits heights for Martin

MR EVEREST completed a big weekend double for trainer Tony Martin and owner John Breslin with victory in the Daragh Fitzpatrick And Colm White Local Bookmakers November Handicap at Naas.

Martin and Breslin enjoyed a lucrative success with Golden Spear in a handicap hurdle at Down Royal on Saturday.

Golden Spear was also declared for this €100,000 Flat handicap, but was one of three non-runners, which allowed first reserve Mr Everest to make the final field.

The five-year-old was sent off a 7/1 co-favourite of three in the hands of veteran jockey, John Egan.

Mr Everest travelled well in behind the leaders and he hit the front inside the final two furlongs.

And he found plenty to emerge victorious by a length and a half.

Martin said: “He’s a lovely horse and is improving all the time. He won in Listowel and ran well in Navan.”

Out Sam led home a one-two for Gordon Elliott in the Paddy Power Cork Grand National.

Davy Russell rode a typically patient race, settling the winner in midfield for much of the journey.

The 13/2 second favourite was one of several horses still in with a chance rounding the home turn and, with the rail to help, he hit the front between the final two fences to win from Rogue Angel (7/1).

Elliott said: “I’m a bit surprised he won, although I thought he might run in the money. He’d been off a long time and I’d expect him to come on for the run.”