Sphagnum and Dillon Maxwell© Photo Healy Racing
Trainer Shane Broderick enjoyed one of his biggest days since taking out a licence when Sphagnum stayed on strongly to win the Listed Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase at Cork.
Broderick, who won the Stayers Hurdle on the Michael Hourigan trained Dorans Pride at the 1995 Cheltenham Festival, has been confined to a wheelchair since suffering serious injury in a fall at Fairyhouse two years after.
A four-time previous winner, including twice over fences, Sphagnum relished the step up to this marathon trip here, as he jumped and travelled well under Dillon Maxwell.
Taking over from long time leader and race favourite Hand Over Fist four out, Sphagnum made the best of his way home from there.
Appearing to have the race in safekeeping after jumping the last, supporters had to survive a late scare as Positive Thinker flashed home late to get within a short head at the line.
Winning rider Dillon Maxwell said: "The plan was to get a lead until maybe the second-last or last so the line wasn't coming quick enough! We always knew he'd stay as he loves the trip and the longer the trip the better: he'll stay all day long.
"He disappointed the last day but had infection in his lungs so had an excuse and he was right for today. He made one slight mistake but winged almost everything.
"It was good for Shane (Broderick) who is nice to me and while he only has a small team of horses, puts me up on anything he has. The lads in the yard are sound and do well with the little few horses they have."
He added: "I rarely get rides, once in a blue moon but to get this win is something special. I'm from outside Mullingar and live on the farm at home, so do a bit of that and I'm nearly riding as a hobby at this stage."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
