Newcross springs a surprise on debut for Martin

Newcross sprang a 20/1 surprise in the concluding Roscommon Racecourse Handicap, scoring on his debut for Tony Martin.

Previously trained by Dermot Weld, the son of Cape Cross was last seen finishing down the field at Listowel in September.

Fitted with a tongue strap for the first time this evening he proved easy to back, opening on-course at 16s before going off a 20/1 chance.

Settled in mid-division, he was eighth entering the straight. He was pushed along from two furlongs out and came with his challenge at the furlong pole, soon getting to the front before going on to score easily by two lengths.

The front-running Mademoiselle Penny (7/1) finished second under Ben Coen for Pat Flynn, while Schoolboy Error (11/2 to 9/2jfav on-course) was a short head back in third. Time For Mabel was the other joint-favourite and he was a disappointing seventh.

"He did that well. Tony said he was plenty fit enough to go and do himself justice," said Whelan.

"He wanted me to take my time a bit on him but not to give him too much to do.

"He loved the ground and he travelled everywhere for me. Once I got a bit of light and got him rolling he finished out well.

"Tony's done a great job to freshen him up and had him spot on. Hopefully there will be more to come from this as it's first run in a while.

"He was doing things naturally and should improve in every way from it."

STEWARDS REPORTS

R.P. Downey, rider of Poitin (GB), trained by Keith Henry Clarke, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount lost her action in the straight.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson