Martin hoping to ride his luck
Tony Martin hopes the Davids Lad case will go in his favour in the Dublin High Court today after landing a gamble with Xenophon in the Coral Cup on the second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Davids Lad was suspended from racing for 42 days following his run at Naas last month. But in a long-running saga, Martin looked like being allowed to saddle the nine-year-old in Wednesday’s Mildmay Of Flete Challenge Cup only for the Irish Turf Club to successfully have the ban re-instated on Tuesday afternoon.
“It was unfortunate that Davids Lad couldn’t run in the Mildmay Of Flete. I hope the verdict goes our way,” said Martin.
The Co Meath trainer admitted that missing Cheltenham had affected Davids Lad’s preparation for the Martell Cognac Grand National.
“If the decision goes our way it’s getting too near the National to give him a prep race,” added Martin. “I’ll have to take him away. It’s certainly been a hiccup.”
But the trainer had some sympathy with the Naas stewards on the day.
“I suppose that’s what the stewards are there for and Timmy (Murphy) probably overdid it,” he added.
“But that’s how he rides him and everyone knows the horse has a wind problem. That’s why the jockey has to give him a chance on bad ground.”
Martin had the satisfaction of saddling a Festival winner thanks to Xenophon, who took the £75,000-added (€110,400) showcase handicap hurdle after being backed down to 4-1 favourite from 6-1.
“That was only his sixth run but he has been well schooled. You have to give the big races a shot. One big one is worth 10 little ones,” said the trainer.
Mick Fitzgerald brought Xenophon with a well-timed run to lead at the final flight and storm home by three-and-a-half lengths from 25-1 shot Samon.
“I’ve had five or six rides for Tony. I won the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown on this horse and was keen to keep the ride,” said the jockey.
Xenophon could make a quick reappearance in the final race of the meeting, the Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle, if Martin is happy with his condition.
