Martin on five for day four

Tony Martin continued his fine form at Galway on Wednesday evening when he recorded a double with Blackmail in the opening maiden hurdle and then with Victrix Gale in a handicap hurdle.

Owned by John Breslin, Blackmail had the help of Ruby Walsh and was easier to back than many may have anticipated at 5/4 and winning by 12 lengths from the Barry Geraghty-partnered Enchanted Forest.

Martin and Walsh combined again when Victrix Gale justified 7/2 favouritism to give the trainer his fifth winner at the festival.

The attendance figures at Ballybrit on Wednesday were down on 2012 to14,038 compared to 18,145.
The Tote aggregate was €676,025 (2012 was €930,473).

Bookmakers- €1,015,385 (2012 was €1,507,486).

Gordon Elliott was on the mark at Perth yesterday with Esporao in a selling hurdle.

Conall Collier