Martello Tower (yellow) tackles Acapella Bourgeois over the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Mags Mullins-trained Martello Tower was made to pull out all the stops to open his account over fences in the beginners chase at Fairyhouse this afternoon.
The 11/10 favourite had to work hard to get on terms with front-runner Acapella Bourgeois going to the final fence in the 2m5f contest.
Denis O’Regan’s mount got to the front on the run-in but then had to hold the late charge of A Genie In Abottle to record a neck victory.
The Barry Connell-owned winner, who landed the Albert Bartlett Hurdle in 2015, was making his second start over fences having chased home Anibale Fly on his debut at Navan last month.
"He always just does enough and is tough out. He came on from the last day,” said Mullins.
"Denis said the ground was just a bit lively and that he would like it a bit softer. Fingers crossed that everything is alright in the morning.
“He's entered in the two Grade 1 novice races at Leopardstown over Christmas."
Boylesports introduced Martello Tower at 20/1 for RSA Chase & 10/1 (from 14/1) for NH Chase at Cheltenham.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
