Martello Tower (inside) jumps the last just ahead of Badgerfort © Photo Healy Racing
Martello Tower justified odds-on favouritism as he took the opener on day two of the Killarney May Festival, the Ross Golf Course Maiden Hurdle.
The Mags Mullins trained six-year-old finished fourth on his previous try over hurdles in a Listed contest at Naas in March, and after taking a winner bumper at Fairyhouse since, he was sent off the 4/6 favourite (was evens this morning) for this evenings contest.
Settled in second by Danny Mullins, the bay son of Milan was niggled along going down the back for the final time, but he improved to dispute the lead with Glenteeneasaigh who attempted to make all, as they entered the home straight.
The Barry Connell owned victor then hit the front after three out, and while Badgerfort challenged him away from the second last, a better jump at the final flight sealed the deal for him, as he kept on well to score by four lengths.
Badgerfort had to settle for second at 15/8 under Brian O’Connell for Philip Fenton, while Glenteeneasaigh (40/1) was a further eighteen lengths back in third under Eddie O’Connell for Tom Cooper.
Barry Connell said afterwards: "He is a grand horse, he is more a winter type. He had a bit of experience over hurdles at Naas before he won the winners bumper.
"I like coming down here for the good ground, he doesn’t want it too quick. Hopefully he will progress and make a graded horse.
"He is very, very idle, and he even came off the bridle passing the stands but he had loads left at the end."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
