Tony Martin records 144-1 treble

Fresh from his Galway Hurdle exploits, trainer Tony Martin dominated day five at the Galway Festival, recording a near 144-1 treble with Vive La France, Tudor City and Dark Crusader.

The first leg came in the opening race, the Guinness Handicap Hurdle, from the promising Vive La France. Carrying the colours of Barry Connell, the 14-1 chance was given a patient ride by Adrian Heskin, but travelled noticeably well as he moved forward in the closing stages.

Eased to the front racing to the final hurdle, he pulled clear in the style of a horse that could be going places. His in-form handler said: “The man who owns him is very patient —he knows the game well — and it’s taken from the time we got this horse until now for him to really shine.