Mud-loving Out Sam bids for back-to-back Cork Nationals

Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase | 3m4f | 4yo+ 0-150 | RTV

It was borderline unraceable when Out Sam came trudging through the sludge in this race a year ago, his maroon and white silks carried by Davy Russell hardly recognisable with mud.

Out Sam relishes jumping and galloping on heavy ground over extreme distances and, given the rain that’s fallen in Ireland over the last few days, there’s every chance today’s feature event at Cork will be run in similarly gruelling conditions.

Gordon Elliott, who trains Out Sam, is also represented by the Gigginstown duo Woods Well and Gun Digger. However, all three sit at the head of the weights.

Willie Mullins last won this stamina-sapping event ten years ago with Our Monty and the champion trainer is solely represented by Pont Aven, who is stepping into handicap company for the first time.

Noel Meade has won the race twice since 2007 and his The Red Menace is another who steps into handicap company for the first time. The Red Menace will be joined by stablemate Russian Bill, who's proven on soft ground.

What they say

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Woods Well, Gun Digger and Out Sam
The three of them are big staying horses and the softer the ground the better their chance. They are in good form.

Gordon Elliott: triple-handed in the Cork NationalCredit: Patrick McCann

Willie Mullins, trainer of Pont Aven
This is his first run in a handicap and it's going to be tough for him.

Tom Mullins, trainer of Oscar Knight
We're hoping the extra half mile might bring out a bit more improvement in him. He ran well the last day at Limerick and he's in good form. I don't see any reason why he won't run a nice race if he jumps well.

Barry Connell, owner of Wonderoftheworld
The conditions suited him down to the ground at Gowran and he's come out of that in good order. I think he just came into his own on that ground and over the trip and he'll get that again here. He just seemed to be a better horse on a big galloping track and I'd be very hopeful of another good run from him. If he gets a clear round I think he could be hard to beat.

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Progress Drive
He ran well enough in the Munster National at Limerick – he was staying on well in the finish. The step up in trip will help him. He has to step up on the form he showed at Limerick, but hopefully he can. I'd give him an each-way chance.

Tom Gibney, trainer of Young Paddymc
We’re very happy with him but mine tend to come on from their first start of the year, so, whatever he does, hopefully he can build on it throughout the season. We were looking at the Troytown for him and this race fits in well.

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