Whatsforuwontgobyu gives Martin double

Whatsforuwontgobyu was a very warm order for the mile and six handicap in Galway and he readily delivered off a mark of 59.

He was backed down to 5/4 favourite in this 16-runner race on the back of an impressive win in a Sligo maiden hurdle when last seen in May.

Fran Berry hunted him along in mid-division before the pair began to creep closer with half a mile to race. Easter Spirit made his bid to kick for home outside the two pole. A head on view showed Whatsforuwontgobyu travelling well into fifth.

Whatsforuwontgobyu was ridden into second entering the home straight and swept past Easter Spirit inside the final furlong. He powered away to win by eight and a half lengths.

Easter Spirit, in second, was three and a quarter lengths in front of Call Me Pj (20/1) with Zemario (6/1) in fourth.

Trainer Tony Martin said: "We've always thought he was a nice horse but it has taken a while for the penny to drop.

"He's versatile and won his hurdle at Sligo. He's a dual-purpose horse and a nice prospect going forward. He got very strong from last year to this."

This gave trainer Martin a double on the day and six at this year's Festival.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee