Sphagnum gets timing just right in Cork Grand National

Jockey Dillon Maxwell savoured a thrilling win in Mallow. 

Sphagnum & Dillon Maxwell win the Cork Grand National. Pic: HEALY RACING

Ten runners went to post for the listed Paddy Power Cork Grand National at a busy Cork Racecourse, Mallow, but it provided a thrilling finish, with the judge required to separate the first three home in Sunday afternoon’s feature.

Victory went to the Shane Broderick-trained and Dillon Maxwell-ridden Sphagnum, who held a narrow lead over the third-last, went a couple clear over the last two, but idled close home, allowing the game Positive Thinker and Outside The Door to close quickly as the line loomed.