Pires has his day at Cork Bottom-weight Pires forged clear 100 yards from home under Paul Townend to justify 5/2 favouritism in the Grade B Cork Racecourse Kinsale Handicap Chase. Townend drove his mount past Echo Bob (8/1) and Davy Russell who had been prominent throughout, but who had no answer to Pires’ finishing burst at the end of two miles. There was six and a half lengths in it at the finish. Fosters Cross saw plenty of support from 6/1 in the morning down to 3/1 and the top weight took third for each way punters in this 12-runner contest. Successful trainer Tony Martin said: “I was always hoping there would be a day like that in him. He probably should have won a Cambridgeshire in England. “The flat track in Cork suited him as he’s not really a two miler. Paul Townend was excellent on him and got him jumping super. “He’s owned by a great woman Lily Lawlor who is a good friend and very loyal. (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
