Out Sam clears the last under Davy Russell© Photo Healy Racing
Out Sam led home a 1,2 for Gordon Elliott in the feature at Cork this afternoon, the Grade B Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase.
Second in two point-to-point's for Arthur Goulding, the son of Multiplex then continued his career in the UK with Nicky Henderson and then Warren Greatrex.
He managed to win three times in England, but returned to these shores last year, finished tenth on his debut for current connections at Leopardstown last Christmas.
Third in the Ulster National at Downpatrick, the nine-year-old was again third on his most recent outing at Fairyhouse in April.
Available at 10/1 in early shows for this three mile four furlong contest, the bay gelding opened on-course at 8/1, before going off a 13/2 chance under Davy Russell.
Settled in mid-division, he took closer order with a circuit left to race, and travelled well in fifth on the approach to the straight.
He jumped the second last in a share of the lead and was soon left in front, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in to score by a length and three parts.
Stable mate Rogue Angel (7/1) finished second under Jack Kennedy, while The Gatechecker (9/1) was a neck back in third for Mark Walsh and Michael Hourigan. Sizing Rome was fourth at 9/1, while the 5/1 favourite (from 15/2) Minella Beau crashed out at the third last when still in with every chance. Velocity Boy (14/1) was in a share of the lead when he fell at the second last.
Russell said afterwards: "I couldn't believe how well he travelled. He had been frustrating last year and to be honest he was just a different horse this year, even going to the start he was on the money today.
"He travelled and jumped everywhere. He had been so disappointing last year I didn't know whether to send him or sit but he was full going to the second last and had enough to get to the line.
"It was very important to win and it's also my first time winning it. My sponsor Danny Charlesworth, of Citipost, and a few of his buddies own him and it's great for them and they are big supporters of the yard and of me."
Elliott added: "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.
"It's great for the owners who are good supporters of the yard and Davy (Russell) gave him a very good ride."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards interviewed C.J. Orr, rider of Sizing Rome, who weighed out 2 Ibs overweight for this race, which was not declared at declaration time. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that this was the case. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that C.J. Orr was in breach of Rule 198(vii) and having considered his previous record in this regard, they issued a fine of E150. Furthermore, the Stewards granted permission for the rider to carry the overweight, having consulted with the trainer.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
