Martin double brought up in the feature 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)
