Irish raiders out to end 29-year hoodoo

TRAINERS Tony Martin and Edward O’Grady carry the hopes of Ireland as they bid to end a 29-year-old drought in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham today.

Bright Highway was the last Irish-trained winner back in 1980 for Michael O’Brien, who retired last week.

Both O’Grady’s Tranquil Sea and Northern Alliance from Martin’s County Meath yard are prominent in the betting, however Martin’s confidence has been dampened with concerns about the soft going.