Lucky Spring has been a tremendous servant to the Pat Martin yard and he gained the ninth victory of his life when landing the Billecart-Salmon Handicap Hurdle at Down Royal under Andrew Thornton.

Davy Russell waited until really late to ask the sweet-travelling favourite Montan for maximum effort and that son of Trempolino didn't pick up as his rider seemed to expect on the run-in. The margin between the pair at the line was three parts of a length.

Pat Martin said: "The secret to this horse is that he's settling so much better now.

"He used to get very hyper before his races.

"He got a smashing ride from Andrew but it looked ominous when the favourite came at him. He found plenty though – he's a brave horse.

"Whenever the owner (Raymond O'Moore) goes on holidays the horse wins. He is from Monasterboice in County Louth and he's a great supporter of the yard.

"The horse ran at Dundalk recently but the ground was a bit quick for him.

"He's on an upward curve now. We were thinking about going chasing with him but we might have to leave that for now."

The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Montan in the closing stages.

Montan was found to be clinically abnormal post race.

Davy Russell said he arrived going to the last with plenty left. He met that hurdle on the wrong stride which he jumped well but from that point his mount emptied.

Despite strong handling Russell was of the opinion that his mount didn't even stay on.

Russell is also of the opinion that Montan is very honest but may have an underlying veterinary problem.

Trainer Tony Martin supported the views of Davy Russell and the stewards took no further action. (EM & MG)