18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure
icon
Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Blackmail does what is expected

Thu 22nd Aug 2013, 17:44

Blackmail jumps the last on his way to victory under Ruby WalshBlackmail jumps the last on his way to victory under Ruby Walsh
© Photo Healy Racing

After winning his maiden hurdle on his last start at the Galway Festival, Blackmail followed up in style this evening, taking the Awards And Gifts Hurdle under Ruby Walsh and Tony Martin.

The classy five-year-old son of Black Sam Bellamy was sent off at prohibitive odds of 1/7, touched 1/5, to account for his two rivals (Hero De Villeneuve was a non-runner).

The John Breslin owned gelding made all the running, easing clear before the second last to come home an un-extended seventeenth length winner. Bob Le Beau finished back in second, while Formidableopponent was thirty-four lengths behind in last.

Tony Martin said afterwards: “I’m delighted with that. Hopefully the ground out there is safe enough.

"He didn’t jump as fluently as he did the last day but he did what he had to do."

John Breslin added: “The ground was a bit quick for him, and he’ll come on a lot for that."

Martin went on to talk about Ted Veale, saying: “He came out of the race okay, and there is a good chance that he will go to York for the Ebor on Saturday."

Additional reporting by Michael Graham

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.