NOEL MARTIN’S patience was rewarded when Sam Sharp made a superb comeback to land the Win £3 Million At footballpools.com Handicap at Haydock.

Martin, who is a quadriplegic, suffered massive disappointment when Jacqueline Quest was demoted after finishing first past the post in last year’s 1000 Guineas, and was on hand to see Sam Sharp (12-1) make a triumphant return after 12 months out through injury.

Formerly with Henry Cecil, Sam Sharp has been switched to trainer Ian Williams, who also looks after Baddam for Martin.

The move paid off as the five-year-old won the competitive one-mile contest by two and a quarter lengths from Tartan Trip.

‘‘We did expect a good run. Ian said he was working brilliantly on the gallops, but you never know after a long lay-off,’’ said Martin.

‘‘I was going to sell him and left him at Ian’s until the auction came up. The horse was scanned and we decided to bring him back to race.

‘‘With the older horses, Ian works his magic.’’ Williams added: ‘‘I was a bit concerned the trip might be a bit sharp for him, but he looked like a decent miler.

‘‘He’s in the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, but I don’t know if he’ll get in or if the ground will be right for him.

‘‘He’s won a competitive handicap and it’s nice to see Noel in the winner’s enclosure.’’ McBirney came with a late flourish to make a winning appearance on turf in the Sportech Racing Handicap.

The Paul d’Arcy-trained four-year-old had been restricted to four races on the all-weather but bounced off the ground to take the honours The 14-1 shot, ridden by 3lb claimer Andrew Heffernan, collared long-time leader Amazing Blue Sky in the final furlong to score by threequarters of a length.