Raz De Maree bridged a four year gap between his last win, in the 2012 Cork Grand National Handicap Chase, when winning this year’s renewal of the Paddy Power sponsored showpiece race at Cork today.

The 11 year old was trained by the late Dessie Hughes to win both the Munster and Cork Nationals in October/November 2012 and while unsuccessful in 13 subsequent starts, was today racing for new trainer Gavin Cromwell and from a 1lb lower rating than 2012.

Raz De Maree raced with the pace throughout and in the end battled gamely to give jockey Ger Fox a welcome winner, having had a quick spell since winning this year’s Irish Grand National on Rogue Angel

Cromwell, who took over care of Raz De Maree this year, was at Naas and following the race, Fox stated “that was badly needed for both myself and the horse! Things have gone a bit slow for me at the moment and rides are tightening up a bit. It's great to ride a big winner for Gavin as I ride plenty for him and Fran Flood and also am based with Noel Meade.

"The race wasn't run over-quick and it suited him as he wants soft ground and ran a great race at Gowran a month ago.

"He made a bad mistake at the fifth last fence but travelled great and is game and stays."

By Tom Weekes