Racing: `New O'Brien' strikes

THE IRISH secured the main prize on the first day of the Murphy's Irish Craic meeting at Cheltenham yesterday when Linden's Lotto produced a remarkable turn of foot to repeat last year's victory in the Sporting Index Chase over the cross-country course.

Three fences from the finish of the 32-obstacle course Tony Martin's charge appeared to be struggling behind Linton Rocks and Lucky Town. But as the line beckoned, Paul Carberry produced the 7-4 favourite to sweep by those rivals for a length victory over Linton Rocks.

"I just didn't want to get there too soon," Carberry joked. "It's great to win the race for the second time as I love these type of events. I'm well into the hunting scene in Ireland and go out every Tuesday and Friday."

The horse's owner, Mick Bailey, described Martin as the new O'Brien, comparing the way in which he plunders British races with the Ballydoyle maestro. "I mean Vincent not Aidan," Bailey joked.