Martin proves unlikely flag-bearer for Ireland’s Gold Cup challenge

Six Irish trainers had skin in the game when the cards were dealt at the start of the Gold Cup yesterday and few could have guessed then that Tony Martin would come up with the strongest of those hands.

The Arodstown, Co. Meath stable has endured tough times of late.

Martin has saddled 183 runners at home through the current jumps season and only six have been winners. That’s a hit rate of just 3%.