Warrior kicks off Martin bonanza
BOG WARRIOR got an excellent weekend for Tony Martin off to a good start at Naas on Saturday.
An early faller at Leopardstown over Christmas, the Drinmore Chase winner made amends by recording a bloodless victory under Davy Russell at odds of 1/5 in the Opera Hat Novice Chase.
With Martin anxious that there be plenty cut in the ground wherever the Gigginstown-owned eight-year-old -- unbeaten now in his five completed starts -- runs next, Cheltenham might not happen for him this year, but he remains an immensely exciting prospect.
Training performance
of the weekend
Fermoy-based Michael Barry secured his first win since Colls Corner scored at Clonmel in February 2010 when the same horse provided Davy Condon with the second leg of a 194/1 double at Naas on Saturday. Colls Corner hadn't run for nearly six months, yet Barry turned him out in mean condition to run away with a 19-runner handicap. He returned an SP of 25/1.
Ride of the weekend
Colman Sweeney only recently returned from 18 months on the sidelines, and his winning ride on his father Rodger's Salsify yesterday was a reminder of just how composed he is in the saddle. Dropping right out, Sweeney took the brave man's route down the inner, gradually creeping on to the heels of the leaders as they exited the back.
Once there, he kept Salsify sweet by taking a pull, eventually edging in front as they touched down over the last fence. Next stop is the Foxhunters' at Cheltenham.
Number
18 The number of consecutive Irish jumps meetings that Willie Mullins trained winners at prior to drawing a blank at Naas on Saturday. Normal service resumed at Leopardstown.
Tweet
"The team at Fairyhouse are willing to offer their advice to the 6 Nations on how to deal with frost inspections. So sorry for Irish fans! " -- The official twitter feed of Fairyhouse racecourse, a track that has suffered its share of frost-related disruptions in recent years, reaches out facetiously.
Irish Independent
