Golden Spear and happy connections© Photo Healy Racing
Second to Clondaw Warrior in last year's running of the event, Golden Spear went a place better under local lad Leigh Roche as Tony Martin brought up a double on day five of the Galway festival in the featured Guinness Handicap.
The successful Kyllachy gelding has been a good servant to his owners, Newtown Anner Stud, and Martin, adding this big prize to his Lartigue Hurdle gains from Listowel last September.
Not seen for 278 days, since a mid-field finish in the November Handicap at Leopardstown, the five-year-old was produced fit and well for this assignment.
Another winning favourite (four from four now on this card), well-backed 100/30 chance, Golden Spear, was given a patient steer by Roche.
Tuam native Roche delivered his mount with perfect timing on the outer in the straight, and he held off 'finishers,' Abraham and Ringside Humour by half a length and a head.
"He ran a blinder in this race last year, and was just not good enough for Clondaw Warrior," explained Martin.
"A month ago I wouldn't have considered running him but he's been coming there in the last fortnight, and has started to shine. He's not a big horse but could go back over hurdles."
Martin's earlier winner was the Donagh Meyler partnered Heartbreak City in the opener.
(AM & EM)
