LOGICAL Song ran away with the three and a half-mile, Grade B Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase.

Mags Mullins' eight-year-old doesn't have too much chasing experience under his belt but was given a patient ride by Danny Mullins and crept gradually into contention.

A Sizing Network gave up the lead he held since flagfall when Arkwrisht headed him two out, but Logical Song came there pulling double. Once Mullins pressed the button, the 7/1 chance strode clear and crossed the line with 12 lengths in hand.

Raz De Maree, a dual winner of this race, produced another honourable effort for second, with Undressed third and Arkwrisht fourth.

Well-backed favourite Racing Pulse was never a factor on his debut for Willie Mullins, and Ruby Walsh pulled him up a fair way out.

The winning trainer said: "Danny was anxious to step up to the three and a half miles and even Daniel (Furini, owner), in Italy, was wondering was it too far for him, but I said we'd ride him to get it and see.

"He is so honest and is so genuine, and I'm delighted with him and he jumped super.

"He always just stays and, over a shorter trip, something with more gears would get him but he is great and has given us great fun.

"Daniel (Furini) has the mother and the family, and he'll be delighted in Italy. He has his horses with George Williams in a stud farm in Kilkenny.

"I'm delighted to win a National and it opens up options now."

Bamako Moriviere ran and jumped his rivals ragged in the Grade 3 Paddy Power Track My Bet Irish EBF Novice Chase.

Willie Mullins' six-year-old has had his jumping issues but boosted his confidence with a defeat of Tombstone at Fairyhouse last month, and Ruby Walsh employed similar positive tactics in this two and a half-mile contest.

Market leader Jury Duty travelled ominously well on his heels into the straight, but Bamako Moriviere (5/2) was still well within himself, quickening away on the run down to the penultimate obstacle, and a couple of slick leaps from that point carried him to a 16-length success.

Walsh said: "He had plenty experience and had a win over two miles, and was in against Jury Duty who lacked experience.

"He pinged the third-last and quickened up really well and put the race to bed there. He was much more confident today and who knows (if he can step up further in trip)."

LISTED HONOURS

Cracking Smart claimed listed honours for the in-form team of Gordon Elliott, Jack Kennedy and Gigginstown House Stud in the Paddy Power Acca Insurance Irish EBF Novice Hurdle.

Fabulous Saga established a clear lead under Ruby Walsh, but Kennedy closed right up before the third-last on the 5/4 favourite and he was joined by Robin Des Foret, who appeared to be travelling just as well.

Cracking Smart took it up before two out, where he overjumped and pecked slightly, but there was still plenty of petrol in the tank and a better leap at the last helped seal an eight-and-a-half-length success.

Assistant trainer Davy Condon said: "Whatever he does this year will be a bonus because he is a real chaser for next year. Like all horses Eddie (O'Leary) buys for Gigginstown, he'll have natural progression over hurdles and is your ideal model for chasing.

"Jack said he is still a big baby and took plenty of grabbing a hold of him and said he is really a horse for next year. I doubt Gordon will overdo him over hurdles this year and will mind him away, but he is one to look forward to."

READ THE FULL CORK REPORT IN NEXT WEEKEND'S EDITION OF THE IRISH FIELD