Pires shows best form to land Cork feature

An underachiever for most of his career, the Tony Martin-trained Pires, whose only previous chase success was recorded over the course and distance last April, landed the featured Cork Racecourse Kinsale Handicap Chase at Cork yesterday.

Patiently handled by Paul Townend, the eight-year-old came from off pace to master front-runner Echo Bob at the final fence before forging clear to triumph by six-and-a-half lengths.

“He’s not really a two-miler, but Paul gave him an excellent ride and got him settled and jumping,” commented trainer Martin. “He’s a fair horse on his day, but has been a bit unlucky. And this was a nice pot to win.”