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)