Linden's Lotto produced a remarkable turn of foot up the hill to gain a last gasp repeat of last year's victory in the Sporting Index Steeplechase over the cross country course at Cheltenham yesterday.

However, three fences from the finish of the unique 32 obstacle course the odds of Tony Martin's charge following up his 1998 success were lengthening with every stride as he struggled to make an impression on long time leader Linton Rocks who was battling it out with Lucky Town and Famfoni.

Amazingly, as the line beckoned jockey Paul Carberry produced the 7 to 4 favourite to sweep by those rivals and record a one length verdict over Paul Nicholls' charge.

"I didn't give him a chance of doing it turning in," said a jubilant Martin. "I didn't think stamina was his forte but he's done it well."

Carberry joked: "I just didn't want to get there too soon!" But the Grand National winning jockey later admitted he thought his mount was struggling as they turned for home.

"I was in trouble at the bottom of the hill but when we met the climb he started to pick up again and just kept galloping to the line which I thought he might do.

"It's really great to win the race for the second time on the horse as I love these type of events as I'm well into the hunting scene in Ireland and go out every Tuesday and Friday."

Linden's Lotto's owner Mick Bailey described Martin as the new Vincent O'Brien comparing the manner in which the trainer plunders prizes on the side of the Irish Sea with the former Ballydoyle maestro.

"I mean Vincent not Aidan," joked Bailey who admitted he had not given up hope of victory despite his gelding's struggle round the final bend.

Bailey's comments highlighted Martin's current form which was confirmed in the closing BEFF Sydney 2000 Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle.

The Co Meath trainer supplied the first two home in which Search For Peace, on which jockey Jason Maguire, nephew of Adrian, gained his first British success, with a five-length verdict over Inny Lady. It gave Martin a near 13 to 1 double.

An Irish three-timer was instigated earlier in the afternoon by the Gerry Lynch-trained Experimental who repelled the late challenge of the Martin Pipe-trained Miss Fara by a length in the Murphy's Irish Stout Novices' Hurdle.

It was a red-letter day for Lynch as the winner was his first Cheltenham runner.